Neuronal Encoding of Self and Others' Head Rotation in the Macaque Dorsal Prefrontal Cortex.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Primate behavior
• Social cognition

Background:

• Following gaze is essential for social interaction in primates.
• Head rotation is often involved in gaze following.
• The neural underpinnings of head rotation are linked to attention networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural basis of head rotation in Brodmann area 9/46dr (BA 9/46dr).
• To determine if BA 9/46dr neurons encode self-initiated and observed head rotations.
• To explore the functional networks associated with BA 9/46dr in head movement and social processing.

Main Methods:

• Electrophysiological recordings in monkeys performing self head rotations and observing others.
• Analysis of neuronal activity in BA 9/46dr.
• Neuronal tracing to map connectivity of BA 9/46dr.

Main Results:

• A subset of BA 9/46dr neurons are active during self head rotation, distinct from saccade activity.
• Other BA 9/46dr neurons respond to observed head rotations.
• Nearly half of visually triggered neurons also encode observed head rotations (mirror-like neurons).
• BA 9/46dr connects to distinct dorso/mesial and ventrolateral networks.

Conclusions:

• BA 9/46dr plays a significant role in encoding both self and observed head rotations.
• These findings offer insights into the neural mechanisms of head-following behaviors.
• The study highlights the involvement of BA 9/46dr in spatial orientation and social mirroring.