Fig. 2: Timeline of major events in the development and maturation of PV interneurons.
From: Fast-spiking parvalbumin-positive interneurons in brain physiology and Alzheimer’s disease
Synaptogenesis and myelination occur in early postnatal development. Microglia subsequently shape inhibitory synapses and strengthen connectivity between PV neurons and their postsynaptic targets. Next, PV neuron axons are further refined and become fully myelinated, and there is increased expression of ion channels required for fast spiking, enabling PV neurons to achieve precise temporal and spatial control of microcircuits. This postnatal pattern of PV neuron maturation is causally linked to an increase in working memory and cognitive flexibility that is observed until early adulthood.
