Transient neuronal correlations underlying goal selection and maintenance in prefrontal cortex

Cereb Cortex. 2008 Dec;18(12):2748-61. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhn033. Epub 2008 Mar 20.

Abstract

We reported previously that as monkeys used abstract response strategies to choose spatial goals, 1 population of prefrontal cortex neurons encoded future goals (F cells), whereas a largely separate population encoded previous goals (P cells). Here, to better understand the mechanisms of goal selection and maintenance, we studied correlated activity among pairs of these neurons. Among the 3 possible types of pairs, F-F and F-P pairs often exhibited significant correlations when and after monkeys selected future goals but P-P pairs rarely did. These correlations were stronger when monkeys shifted from a previous goal than when they stayed with that goal. In addition, members of F-F pairs usually preferred the same goal and thus shared both prospective coding and spatial tuning properties. In contrast, cells composing F-P pairs usually had different spatial preferences and thus shared neither coding nor spatial tuning properties. On the assumption that the neurons composing a pair send convergent outputs to target neurons, their correlated activity could enhance their efficacy in context-dependent goal selection, goal maintenance, and the transformation of goal choices into action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Welfare / standards
  • Animals
  • Attention
  • Behavior
  • Bone Screws
  • Craniotomy
  • Fixation, Ocular / physiology
  • Frontal Lobe / physiology
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Motivation
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology*
  • Research / standards
  • Restraint, Physical
  • Saccades / physiology
  • Video Recording