A discovery by researchers at The University of
Western Ontario has questioned the long-held
belief that the prefrontal cortex is the only
decision maker in the brain.
The article, Top-Down Control-Signal
Dynamics in Anterior Cingulate and Prefontal
Cortex Neurons following Task Switching, was
published this week in the distinguished
neuroscience journal, Neuron.
Led by Stefan Everling, associate professor of
Physiology and Pharmacology & Psychology in
the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the
Western team challenged previously held
assumptions regarding behavioral flexibility and
the frontal lobe.
In the research, monkeys had to either look
toward or away from a briefly flashed peripheral
target. Monkeys did not receive an explicit cue as
to which task they were on but figured this out
themselves by noticing which behaviours were
rewarded during each block of trials.
According to Everling, the research may prove
pivotal for determining how frontal brain areas
control behaviour. It may also lead to a better
understanding of psychiatric disorders, such as
schizophrenia.
“Our results show that at least another frontal
brain region participates in the control of
behavioural decisions. Disruptions in the normal
function of this area might contribute to a variety
of psychiatric disorders,” says Everling.
Stefan Everling can be reached at 519-685-
8500, ext. 34359 or by email at severlin@uwo.ca
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