Somatostatin-expressing Neuron

Somatostatin-expressing (SST) neurons are a major class of GABAergic interneurons in the cortex. They are defined as interneurons expressing somatostatin, a neuropeptide whose receptor is widely expressed in cortical tissues.

Description
Like many other GABAergic neurons in the cortex, SST cells migrate from progenitors within the Medial Ganglionic Eminence (MGE).

Electrophysiology
Acetylcholine activates SST neurons in V1, leading to a higher firing rate.

Function

 * SST neurons often function to disinhibit pyramidal cells in L4 of the cortex, removing inhibition from nearby Parvalbumin-positive Interneurons.
 * SST's tend to inhibit the firing of L2/3 pyramids, however.