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The Journal of Neuroscience, June 10, 2009, 29(23):7591-7598; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5335-08.2009

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Behavioral/Systems/Cognitive
Nuclei Accumbens Phase Synchrony Predicts Decision-Making Reversals Following Negative Feedback

Michael X Cohen,1,3 Nikolai Axmacher,1 Doris Lenartz,4 Christian E. Elger,1 Volker Sturm,4 and Thomas E. Schlaepfer2,5

1Department of Epileptology and Center for Life and Brain and 2Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany, 3Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 4Department of Stereotactical Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany, and 5Department of Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21287

Correspondence should be addressed to Michael X Cohen at the above address. Email: mikexcohen{at}gmail.com

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.

Received Nov. 5, 2008; revised Feb. 18, 2009; accepted March 12, 2009.

Correspondence should be addressed to Michael X Cohen at the above address. Email: mikexcohen{at}gmail.com






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