Brain learning control representation in nucleus accumbens

Brain information processing is supported by the dual architecture of the cortical and limbic systems for the knowledge-based and emotional information, respectively. We hypothesize this dual architecture of the brain contributes to brain learning control. In order to examine the role of emotion in forming memory that is, automatic algorithm acquisition, solidification and retrieval, single unit recording was executed to nucleus accumbens of the rat. The rat was trained in a circular open field to develop its learning ability for food and water reward. After this reward acquisition task was trained, electrical activities were recorded in nucleus accumbens neurons of the in vivo brain while the rat continued the originally-trained reward acquisition task or executed some other combinations of food and water reward task. In nucleus accumbens, some neurons were found to respond to anticipation of reward. Some other neurons changed their activities while the rat continued to perform its training. These results suggest that activities of nucleus accumbens are learning-controlled by the reward value evaluated possibly by both amygdala and ventral tegmental area