Regionally Distinct Processing of Rewards and Punishments by the Primate Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1801-12.2012
• Publication Date: 2012-08-01T18:06:15Z
• Authors: Ilya E. Monosov; Okihide Hikosaka
• Keywords: Ventromedial prefrontal cortex; Stimulus (psychology)

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is thought to be related emotional experience and the processing of stimulus action values. However, little known about how single vmPFC neurons process prediction reception rewards punishments. We recorded from monkey in an experimental situation with alternating blocks, one which were delivered punishments delivered. Many changed their activity between blocks. Importantly, ventral persistently more active appetitive "reward" block, whereas dorsal aversive "punishment" block. Furthermore, within vmPFC, posterior phasically encoded probability reward, anterior tonically possibility reward. found multiple distinct nonlinear valuation mechanisms primate cortex. Our findings suggest that different subregions contribute differentially valence. By conveying such multidimensional signals, may enable flexible control decisions emotions adapt complex environments.