Work

Interneurons exhibit attenuated ectopic action potential firing in a severe neurodevelopmental disorder

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe form of epilepsy primarily caused by reduced excitability of inhibitory neurons. Our research identifies a new abnormality in DS mice: reduced ectopic action potentials (EAPs). We have previously shown that EAPs are engaged after increased excitability, manifesting in most parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVINs) as a high-frequency train of persistent action potentials. Our work represents the first evidence linking a deficiency in EAP generation-an underexplored intrinsic property-with any neuropathology.

Source: Journal of Neurophysiology

DOI: 10.1152/jn.00133.2025

Authors: Sophie F. Hill, Sophie R. Liebergall, Eric R. Wengert, Ethan M. Goldberg, Brian B. Theyel

Institutions: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University

Language: English

Topic: Epilepsy research and treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Dravet Syndrome Foundation, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development