The Medial Orbitofrontal Cortex–Basolateral Amygdala Circuit Regulates the Influence of Reward Cues on Adaptive Behavior and Choice

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0901-21.2021
• Publication Date: 2021-07-16T17:50:28Z
• Authors: Nina T. Lichtenberg; Linnea Sepe-Forrest; Zachary T. Pennin...; Alexander C. Lamp...; Venuz Y. Greenfield; Kate M. Wassum
• Keywords: Basolateral amygdala; Orbitofrontal cortex

Adaptive reward-related decision making requires accurate prospective consideration of the specific outcome each option and its current desirability. Often this information must be inferred based on presence predictive environmental events. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) are two key nodes in circuitry supporting such expectations, but very little is known about function direct connections between these regions. Here, male rats, we first anatomically confirmed existence bidirectional, projections mOFC BLA found that to largely distinct from those lateral OFC (lOFC). Next, using pathway-specific chemogenetic inhibition outcome-selective Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer devaluation tests, interrogated bidirectional mOFC-BLA reward-directed behavior. We evidence mOFC→BLA pathway mediates use cues understand which reward predicted, needed infer action choose, how desirable ensure adaptive responses cue. By contrast, BLA→mOFC not identity an expected guide choice does mediate desirability they predict. These functions differ previously identified for lOFC-BLA circuit. Collectively, data reveal circuit as critical cue-dependent expectations influence behavior making.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT To make good decisions evaluate advantageous a particular course would be. This understanding what rewarding outcomes can currently are. Such considerations disrupted many psychiatric diseases. functions. findings especially important light dysfunction substance disorder mental illnesses marked by poor making.