Prefrontal Neurons Represent Winning and Losing during Competitive Video Shooting Games between Monkeys

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6479-11.2012
• Publication Date: 2012-05-30T18:59:42Z
• Authors: Takayuki Hosokawa; Masataka Watanabe
• Keywords: Video game

Humans and animals must work to support their survival reproductive needs. Because resources are limited in the natural environment, competition is inevitable, competing successfully vitally important. However, neuronal mechanisms of competitive behavior poorly studied. We examined whether neurons lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) showed response sensitivity related a game. In this study, monkeys played video shooting game, either with another monkey or computer, playing alone without rival. Monkeys performed more quickly accurately than noncompetitive games, indicating that they were motivated games. LPFC differential activity between games showing winning- losing-related activity. Furthermore, activities differed depending on was computer. These results indicate may play an important role monitoring outcome enabling adapt increase chances obtaining reward socially interactive environment.