Chinese, British scientists map out development of interneurons in humans

BEIJING  (HRNW) — Chinese and British scientists mapped out how humans’ interneurons, a pivotal type of neuron that enables advanced human activities, develop in infancy, providing clues for the treatment of mental and developmental issues.

The study, published on Friday in the journal Science, reported two populations of precursor human interneurons with features that do not seem to be shared with rodents.

It revealed how the human brain developed diverse interneurons that render humanity’s unique advanced cognitive competence, according to the study.

There are two main classes of brain cells in the cerebral cortex: excitatory and inhibitory. The “inhibitory” interneurons deliver a neurotransmitter called GABA to inhibit the brain when it is overexcited. Their anomaly can result in autism, depression, schizophrenia or epilepsy.