The Journal of Physiologyat SfN 2011

Abstract

In this, our second dedicated neuroscience issue, we are pleased to announce that The Journal of Physiology will once again be at SfN. The Journal has sponsored satellite symposia at SfN Annual meetings since 1999 on topics ranging from the Physiology of brain–computer interfaces to Mechanisms of neocortical development. This year we are sponsoring a satellite symposium on Cortical inhibitory neuron ‘basket cells’: from circuit function to disruption at the Washington Convention Centre on Friday 12 November 2011 from 3 to 6 pm. The role for local circuit inhibitory interneurons in shaping the timing and excitability of cortical circuits is well established. Given the central role for interneurons in CNS function it comes as no surprise that loss or dysregulation of this important cell type has been implicated in numerous human mental health disorders, including the epilepsies, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and cognitive defects. Within this anatomically and functionally diverse cell population two distinct basket cell types exist, the so-called parvalbumin-containing ‘fast-spiking’ and the cholecystokinin-containing ‘non-fast-spiking’ cell types. Studies over the last 2–3 years have placed these two cell types front and centre as regulators of cortical timing and neuromodulation during development, maturation and ageing. Despite possessing anatomical similarities, new evidence suggests that these two cell types have their embryonic origins in distinct areas of the ventral telencephalon. Their distinct origins subject them to differing neuromodulatory signals and maturation processes as they migrate and populate the emerging cortex and hippocampus. Perturbations of these developmental cues and the consequent anomalous interneuron function are rapidly being implicated in a number of CNS disorders. Speakers will highlight recent research on the embryogenesis and maturation of basket cells and their respective circuits, the function and modulation of the distinct basket cells in physiological cortical operation and the malfunction of cortical circuits, and the roles implicated for basket cells in determining a number of mental health disorders. The symposium, which does not require pre-registration and is free to anyone wishing to attend, is organised by former Senior Editor of The Journal of Physiology Chris McBain (NIH, Washington, DC, USA). We are expecting excellent attendance to hear the internationally renowned speakers, who include: Kenneth Pelkey (NIH, Washington, DC, USA) on Embryogenesis, development and maturation of a hippocampal basket cell circuit Tibor Harkany (University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK) on Cannabinoid receptors and the development of CCK basket cell networks Marlene Bartos (University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany) on Differential roles for parvalbumin and CCK basket cells in cortical function Ivan Soltesz (University of California, Irvine, CA, USA) on Modulation of pre- and postsynaptic receptors of basket cell synapses Edward M. Callaway (Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA) on Rabies-based tools for elucidating neural circuits and linking connectivity to function David A. Lewis (University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) on Cortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia As for all our previous symposia, we will publish a set of reviews based on the talks. These will appear in one of our future dedicated neuroscience issues early in 2012. The Journal of Physiology will also be raising awareness of our dedicated neuroscience issues – JPn for short – throughout the SfN meeting. We hope these issues, focusing on neuroscience and containing our usual mix of reviews, research articles and commentaries, will come to be recognised by the neuroscience community as a source of authoritative information on diverse aspects of the physiology of the brain and nervous system and as first choice for the best work of neuroscientists whose research encompasses physiological mechanisms. The Journal's scope and statistics can be found online in our Author Guideline web pages (http://jp.physoc.org/site/misc/author.xhtml#scope). Readers attending at SfN 2011 can learn more about The Journal of Physiology at The Physiological Society stand (no. 3134). We hope all readers enjoy this JPn issue. If you do not already read The Journal of Physiology regularly why not sign up for e-alerts for our neuroscience content at http://jp.physoc.org/cgi/alerts/collalert. Our next dedicated issue will be published on 1 December 2011.