'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,' scientists in the United States report (see also Mental Health).
'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,' wrote S. Tsujimoto and colleagues, National Institute of Mental Health.
The researchers concluded: '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.'
Tsujimoto and colleagues published their study in Cerebral Cortex (Transient Neuronal Correlations Underlying Goal Selection and Maintenance in Prefrontal Cortex. Cerebral Cortex, 2008;18(12):2748-2761).
For more information, contact S. Tsujimoto, NIMH, Laboratory Systems Neuroscience, Bldg 49, Room B1EE17, 49 Convent Dr., MSC 4401, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Publisher contact information for the journal Cerebral Cortex is: Oxford University Press Inc., Journals Dept., 2001 Evans Rd., Cary, NC 27513, USA.
Keywords: United States, Bethesda, Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health.
This article was prepared by Mental Health Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Mental Health Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com.
