title: Nuclei accumbens phase synchrony predicts decision-making reversals following negative feedback.
abstract: The nucleus accumbens plays a key role in reinforcement-guided behaviors. Here, we report that electrophysiological oscillatory phase synchrony between the two nuclei accumbens may play a crucial role in using negative feedback to guide decision making. We recorded local field potentials from the human nucleus accumbens and the medial frontal cortex (via surface EEG) from patients who had deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted. Patients performed a reversal learning task in which they decided whether to alter their decision strategy following monetary losses. Strategy switches following losses were preceded by enhanced theta (4-8 Hz) phase synchrony between the nuclei accumbens, and a break-down of gamma (20-80 Hz)-alpha (8-12 Hz) coupling. Furthermore, the strength of the intersite phase synchrony predicted response time adjustments in the subsequent trial. These findings suggest that a neural network including the nucleus accumbens bilaterally becomes functionally connected via theta phase synchrony to signal the need to adjust behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epileptology and Center for Life and Brain and Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany. mikexcohen@gmail.com
authors.forename: Michael X
authors.initials: MX
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Nikolai
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Axmacher
authors.forename: Doris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lenartz
authors.forename: Christian E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Elger
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sturm
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Schlaepfer
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000502:physiology*; D010507:Periodicity; D011336:Probability; D012193:Reversal Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D013826:Theta Rhythm; D013997:Time Factors