Activity of Prefrontal Neurons Predict Future Choices during Gambling.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal signals in the prefrontal cortex have been reported to predict upcoming decisions. Such activity patterns are often coupled to perceptual cues indicating correct choices or values of different options. How does the prefrontal cortex signal future decisions when no cues are present but when decisions are made based on internal valuations of past experiences with stochastic outcomes? We trained rats to perform a two-arm bandit-task, successfully adjusting choices between certain-small or possible-big rewards with changing long-term advantages. We discovered specialized prefrontal neurons, whose firing during the encounter of no-reward predicted the subsequent choice of animals, even for unlikely or uncertain decisions and several seconds before choice execution. Optogenetic silencin

SUBMITTER: Passecker J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6318061 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature