Feature- and order-based timing representations in the frontal cortex

Neuron. 2009 Jul 30;63(2):254-66. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.06.018.

Abstract

We examined activity in the frontal cortex as monkeys performed a duration-discrimination task. Two stimuli, one red and the other blue, appeared sequentially on a video screen--in either order. Later, both stimuli reappeared, and to receive a reward the monkeys had to choose the stimulus that had lasted longer during its initial presentation. Some neurons encoded stimulus duration, but a larger number of cells represented their relative duration, which was encoded in three ways: whether the first or second stimulus had lasted longer; whether the red or blue stimulus had lasted longer; or, less commonly, as the difference between the two durations. As the monkeys' choice approached, the signal encoding which stimulus (red or blue) had lasted longer increased as the order-based signal dissipated. By representing stimulus durations and relative durations--both bound to stimulus features and event order--the frontal cortex could contribute to both temporal perception and episodic memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Choice Behavior / physiology*
  • Color Perception / physiology
  • Discrimination Learning / physiology*
  • Electrophysiology
  • Frontal Lobe / physiology*
  • Haplorhini
  • Memory / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Reaction Time / physiology*
  • Reward