Inhibitory circuits in sensory maps develop through excitation

Inhibitory and excitatory connections are equal partners in determining neuronal response properties. Although the development and plasticity of excitatory networks have been heavily studied, little is known about how inhibitory circuits develop. In a recent study, Gunsoo Kim and Karl Kandler have shown that, as in the development of excitatory circuits, synapse elimination and strengthening are important processes for the development of well-organized inhibitory circuits.