文摘
Parvalbumin-positive GABAergic neurons in layer 4 of the visual cortex form dendritic reticulum linked by gap junctions. The dendritic reticulum exhibits a preference for vertical connectivity, suggesting interaction within a column-like space. The dendritic reticulum does not have lateral boundaries, indicating horizontal continuity of gap junction-coupled linkages. At least one of two somata connected by dendritic gap junctions is located within 50 μm from the junction in most cases. Layer 4 parvalbumin neurons receive dense thalamic inputs on soma, suggesting feedforward influence on gap junction network.