Mini-columns

Mini-columns

• Description

Mini-columns are thought to be a fundamental element of cortical information processing. ¹They have been evolutionarily conserved in all mammalian species and are generally adapted according to specific functional requirements. At the core and periphery of the minicolumn are combinations of GABAergic interneurons which modulate pyramidal cell inputs and outputs. ²

Changes in mini-columns may explain deficits in complex information processing, such as that which is employed in executive functioning.¹

Mini-columns and ASD

Citations

1. Geschwind DH. Advances in autism. Annu Rev Med. 2009;60:367-80. PMID 19630577

2. Casanova MF et. al. Minicolumnar abnormalities in autism.Acta Neuropathol. 2006 Sep;112(3):287-303 PMID 16819561