An ensemble code in medial prefrontal cortex links prior events to outcomes during learning.

ABSTRACT: The prefrontal cortex is implicated in learning the rules of an environment through trial and error. But it is unclear how such learning is related to the prefrontal cortex's role in short-term memory. Here we ask if the encoding of short-term memory in prefrontal cortex is used by rats learning decision rules in a Y-maze task. We find that a similar pattern of neural ensemble activity is selectively recalled after reinforcement for a correct decision. This reinforcement-selective recall only reliably occurs immediately before the abrupt behavioural transitions indicating successful learning of the current rule, and fades quickly thereafter. We could simultaneously decode multiple, retrospective task events from the ensemble activity, suggesting the recalled ensemble activity has multiplex

SUBMITTER: Maggi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5992197 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature