ABSTRACT
Unit activity from the medial frontal cortex was studied in rats during delayed performance on the U-shaped maze. Most units sampled responded to more than one event in the experimental sequence. Spatio-selective units suggest that this area is involved in short-term memory. Several types of spatio-selective units were recorded. Specific responses of spatio-selective units appear linked with a level of training. A possible role of the medial wall for goal-directed behavior based on probability prognosis is discussed.
Subject(s)
Discrimination Learning/physiology , Frontal Lobe/physiology , Mental Recall/physiology , Orientation/physiology , Retention, Psychology/physiology , Animals , Arousal/physiology , Brain Mapping , Evoked Potentials/physiology , Male , Neurons/physiology , RatsABSTRACT
Unit activity of the medial wall of the rat prefrontal cortex was studied during delayed response in the U-shaped maze. Prefrontal units were shown to be polysensory. Rhythmical stimulation induced habituation of unit responses. Spatio-selective neurones were found which means that medial part of the prefrontal area is involved in short-term memory. The role of the area is discussed in relation to the goal-directed behaviour.
