Within the prefrontal cortex (PFC), impaired PV signaling has been implicated in schizophrenia pathology. R

For example, increased oxidative stress can cause PV dysfunction thus leading to schizophrenic symptoms. R

9. May Reduce Autism Symptoms

Multiple animal models have shown low PV expression to replicate the similar core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). R R

PV may be able to improve ASD-relevant behavioral impairments. R

For example, Shank2 is an abundant postsynaptic scaffolding protein implicated in ASD, and in models of Shank2 deletion from PV neurons, there is hyperactivity, enhanced self-grooming and suppressed brain excitation. R

10. May Combat Gulf War Illness

Combined exposure to the nerve gas antidote pyridostigmine bromide (PB), pesticides and stress during the Persian Gulf War-1 (PGW-1) are presumed to be among the major causes of Gulf War Illness (GWI).

In rat models that have been exposed to GWI-related chemicals and mild stress, there are lower levels of PV and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) expressing hippocampal GABA-ergic neurons. R

Reduced numbers of these interneurons may be one of the major causes of cognitive dysfunction and reduced neurogenesis observed in GWI. R

11. Regulates Electrolyte Balance And Bone Density

Parvalbumin (PV) expression in the kidneys plays a role in electrolyte balance by acting on calcium (Ca2+) signaling. R

Proper PV-Ca2+ signaling is necessary for the beneficial effect of certain diuretic on bone mineral density (BMD). R

12. May Improve Opioid Withdrawal

By activating cyclic AMP (cAMP), PV may help with opioid withdrawal. R

13. Balances Mood, Anxiety, and Chronic stress

PV cells are very sensitive to stress. R

Chronic stress can reduce PV levels, which may correlate with increased depressive-like behavior. R

For example, in animal models chronic stress (low circulating levels of corticosterone/glucocoritcoids via the HPA-hippocampus axis causing a glutathione deficict) causes PV dysfunction of GABA/Ca signalling, which may lead to decreased mood. R

Loss of PV function from excess stress in the hippocampus has shown in animal models to induce anhedonia. R

In animal models, activation of PV neurons in the hippocampus through exercise causes reduced anxiety. R

14. Required For Amphetamines Reward

PV is required for amphetamies to have psychostimulant-induced behavioral adaptations such as sensitization and reward. R R

15. Plays A Role In Vision

PV plays a role in regulating spatio-temporal patterning of activity in the visual cortex. R

16. May Regulate Pain And Fear

PV plays a role in fear learning and amygdala plasticity. R

The amygdala is a bilateral temporal lobe brain region which plays an important role in emotional processing. R

There are significantly more PV neurons in the left basolateral amygdala compared to the right, with a significant difference specifically in the posterior subdivision, which could help explain how different hemispheres of the amygdala processes what is painful vs what is fearful stimuli. R

17. Plays A Role In Muscle Activation

Lower levels of PV in muscles can enhance fast-twitch muscle fibers and improve fatigue resistance. R R

18. May Combat Cancer

In tumor cells, PV can inhibit the cell growth and induce cell death (via AKT/GSK3beta). R