Inhibitory neurons: VIP neurons expect rewards

Inhibitory neurons which express vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, VIPs, are a small subset of the mammalian cortex but in importance live up to their acronym. New research shows that these critical control knobs of cortical activity are specifically activated by actions taken when rewards are anticipated rather than consummated.

Automated summary

Recent research shows that inhibitory neurons expressing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide are specifically activated when rewards are anticipated, rather than when they are consumed.