Martinotti cell

Martinotti cell is a type of interneuron found in the cerebral cortex. These cells are named after the Italian psychiatrist and neurologist, Carlo Martinotti, who first described them in the late 19th century.

Characteristics

Martinotti cells are characterized by their short-axon, which projects locally within the cortex. They are typically found in the superficial layers of the cortex, particularly layer II and III, but can also be found in deeper layers.

These cells are inhibitory, meaning they reduce the activity of other neurons. They do this by releasing the neurotransmitter GABA, which binds to receptors on the target neuron and decreases its likelihood of firing an action potential.

Function

The primary function of Martinotti cells is to provide inhibitory feedback to pyramidal cells, the main excitatory neurons in the cortex. This feedback helps to balance the excitatory and inhibitory activity in the cortex, which is crucial for normal brain function.

In addition to their role in feedback inhibition, Martinotti cells are also thought to be involved in the generation of oscillatory activity in the cortex. This activity is thought to be important for various cognitive functions, including attention and memory.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function of Martinotti cells have been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. For example, post-mortem studies have found reduced numbers of Martinotti cells in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia.

See also

• Interneuron
• Cerebral cortex
• GABA
• Pyramidal cell
• Oscillatory activity

References

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