[Cortical 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3A (Htr3a) positive inhibitory neurons: diversity in type and function]

Abstract

Cortical GABAergic inhibitory neurons are composed of three major classes, each expressing parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SOM) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3A (Htr3a), respectively. Htr3a⁺ inhibitory neurons are mainly derived from the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE). This highly heterogeneous group of inhibitory neurons are comprised of many different subtypes with distinct molecular signatures, morphological and electrophysiological properties and connectivity patterns. In this review, we summarized recent research progress regarding cortical Htr3a⁺ inhibitory neurons, focusing on their molecular, morphological and electrophysiological diversity, and introduced some genetic mouse tools that were used to study Htr3a⁺ inhibitory neurons.