Disruption of parvalbumin-based inhibitory circuits after ischemic stroke

In this pilot study, we explored the role of parvalbumin inhibitory interneurons (PV-INs) in stroke recovery using a novel imaging system and mouse model. Five aged mice underwent photothrombosis to induce ischemic stroke. Optogenetic photostimulation and calcium imaging to assess PV-IN circuitry and mesoscopic changes in excitatory activity pre- and one-week post-stroke was acquired. Preliminary results showed disrupted homotopic resting-state functional connectivity and reduced inhibition within the area of infarct, with increased global excitation. Behavioral tests corroborated imaging findings, indicating decreased affected forepaw use post-stroke. Ongoing studies will further investigate PV-IN-mediated plasticity in aged and young mice to elucidate their role in post-stroke recovery.