Abstract:
The recent report by Fukuda et al [1] provides convincing
evidence for dense gap-junction connectivity between
inhibitory neurons in the cat visual cortex, each neuron
making 60 +/- 12 gap-junction dendritic connections with
neurons in both the same and adjoining orientation columns.
These resistive connections provide a source of diffusive
current to the receiving neuron, supplementing the
chemical-synaptic currents generated by incoming actionpotential
spike activity. Fukuda et al describe how the gap
junctions form a dense and homogeneous electrical coupling
of interneurons, and propose that this diffusioncoupled
network provides the substrate for synchronization
of neuronal populations.