The striatum multiplexes contextual and kinematic information to constrain motor habits execution.

ABSTRACT: The striatum is required for the acquisition of procedural memories, but its contribution to motor control once learning has occurred is unclear. We created a task in which rats learned a difficult motor sequence characterized by fine-tuned changes in running speed adjusted to spatial and temporal constraints. After training and extensive practice, we found that the behavior was habitual, yet tetrode recordings in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) revealed continuous integrative representations of running speed, position and time. These representations were weak in naive rats that were hand-guided to perform the same sequence and developed slowly after learning. Finally, DLS inactivation in well-trained animals preserved the structure of the sequence while increasing its trial-by-trial varia

SUBMITTER: Rueda-Orozco PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4342106 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature