Parvalbumin Interneurons & the Autistic Phenotype

Today's episode is about excitation-inhibition with specific attention with an inhibitory neuron called parvalbumin interneurons (PVINs). The discussion covers the medial prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, and salience network, linking their dysfunction to autistic traits like sensory over-responsiveness and social deficits. We cover two articles, alongside the CNTNAP2 protein’s role in neural circuit organization and its implications for Autism.

The episode also critiques the 1985 theory of mind framework, emphasizing autistic strengths in interoception and intuition, which suggest a sensory-social trade-off that enhances learning and information processing. PVIN hypofunction is connected to social deficits and rigid thinking, supported by a 2017 post-mortem study showing a 38-70% reduction in prefrontal PVINs. The discussion integrates pr ...