Parvalbumin α (PVALB) is a member of the parvalbumin family. PVALB is a high affinity calcium ion-binding protein, with two EF hand domains. PVALB is structurally and functionally similar to calmodulin and troponin C, it can bind two calcium ions. Parvalbumin is thought to be involved in relaxation after contraction in muscle. Parvalbumin is expressed in a specific population of GABAergic interneurons, which are believed to have a role in maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition in the cortex as well as the hippocampus.