Nuclei accumbens phase synchrony predicts decision-making reversals following negative feedback.

Full Abstract

The nucleus accumbens plays a key role in reinforcement-guided behaviors. Here, we report that electrophysiological oscillatory phase synchrony between the two nuclei accumbens may play a crucial role in using negative feedback to guide decision making. We recorded local field potentials from the human nucleus accumbens and the medial frontal cortex (via surface EEG) from patients who had deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted. Patients performed a reversal learning task in which they decided whether to alter their decision strategy following monetary losses. Strategy switches following losses were preceded by enhanced theta (4-8 Hz) phase synchrony between the nuclei accumbens, and a break-down of gamma (20-80 Hz)-alpha (8-12 Hz) coupling. Furthermore, the strength of the intersite phase synchrony predicted response time adjustments in the subsequent trial. These findings suggest that a neural network including the nucleus accumbens bilaterally becomes functionally connected via theta phase synchrony to signal the need to adjust behavior.

Author information

Author/s: Cohen, Michael X (MX); Axmacher, Nikolai (N); Lenartz, Doris (D); Elger, Christian E (CE); Sturm, Volker (V); Schlaepfer, Thomas E (TE);

Affiliation: Department of Epileptology and Center for Life and Brain and Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany. mikexcohen(-atsign-)gmail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience (J Neurosci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jun; vol 29 (issue 23) : pp 7591-8

Dates: Created 2009/06/11; Completed 2009/06/29; Revised 2009/08/13;

PMID: 19515927, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 8/21/2009, IMS Date: 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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