Reward Value Comparison Via Mutual Inhibition in Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex

Overview

Journal Neuron

Publisher Cell Press

Specialty Neurology

Date 2014 Jun 3

PMID 24881835

Citations 149

Authors

Caleb E Strait

Tommy C Blanchard

Benjamin Y Hayden

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Recent theories suggest that reward-based choice reflects competition between value signals in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). We tested this idea by recording vmPFC neurons while macaques performed a gambling task with asynchronous offer presentation. We found that neuronal activity shows four patterns consistent with selection via mutual inhibition: (1) correlated tuning for probability and reward size, suggesting that vmPFC carries an integrated value signal; (2) anti-correlated tuning curves for the two options, suggesting mutual inhibition; (3) neurons rapidly come to signal the value of the chosen offer, suggesting the circuit serves to produce a choice; and (4) after regressing out the effects of option values, firing rates still could predict choice-a choice probability signal. In addition, neurons signaled gamble outcomes, suggesting that vmPFC contributes to both monitoring and choice processes. These data suggest a possible mechanism for reward-based choice and endorse the centrality of vmPFC in that process.

Citing Articles

Rational inattention in neural coding for economic choice.

Fine J, Moreno-Bote R, Hayden B bioRxiv. 2024; .

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Semi-orthogonal subspaces for value mediate a binding and generalization trade-off.

Johnston W, Fine J, Yoo S, Ebitz R, Hayden B Nat Neurosci. 2024; 27(11):2218-2230.

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Irrational choices via a curvilinear representational geometry for value.

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Gaze-centered gating, reactivation, and reevaluation of economic value in orbitofrontal cortex.

Ferro D, Cash-Padgett T, Wang M, Hayden B, Moreno-Bote R Nat Commun. 2024; 15(1):6163.

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Stoll F, Rudebeck P J Neurosci. 2024; 44(35).

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