AMYGDALA-ORBITAL FRONTAL INTERACTION AND REWARD EXPECTANCY

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Orbital frontal cortex (ORB) or amygdala (AMYG) damage in primates yields deficits in using positive or negative outcomes to guide behavioral responses. Yet, their respective role in flexible goal-directed actions remains uncertain. We are working to refine and implement the use of reversible inactivation, via cooling, to the precise neural substrate of cognitive functions in primates. For this project, the technique will allows us to distinguish the role of ORB and AMYG in monkeys' ability to interpret the reinforcing value of visual stimuli and alter adaptively their choice responses upon both learned preferences and current motivational state. Two monkeys have been assigned and have begun the behavioral training. Microprobes for temporarily cooling brain areas are being constructed.