Parvalbumin interneuron deficits in schizophrenia

Parvalbumin-expressing (PV +) interneurons represent one of the most abundant subclasses of cortical interneurons. Owing to their specific electrophysiological and synaptic properties, PV + interneurons are essential for gating and pacing the activity of excitatory neurons. In particular, PV + interneurons are critically involved in generating and maintaining cortical rhythms in the gamma frequency, which are essential for complex cognitive functions. Deficits in PV + interneurons have been frequently reported in postmortem studies of schizophrenia patients, and alterations in gamma oscillations are a prominent electrophysiological feature of the disease. Here, I summarise the main features of PV + interneurons and review clinical and preclinical studies linking the developmental dysfunction of cortical PV + interneurons with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.