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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Recording Single Neurons' Action Potentials from Freely Moving Pigeons Across Three Stages of Learning
Published on: June 2, 2014
Goal-directed behavior elevates gamma oscillations in nidopallium caudolaterale of pigeon
Xinyu Liu1, Kun Zhao2, Dongyun Wang3
1School of Information Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China; School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Abstract:
Avian nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a functional analogue of mammalian prefrontal cortex, is thought to be participated to goal-directed behavior. However, few studies so far investigated local field potential (LFP) properties within this area. In this study, we recorded the LFP activity from the NCL of six pigeons when they performed a goal-directed decision-making task in a plus-maze. Spectral analysis revealed a significant LFP-power increase in the gamma-band (40-60Hz) during the decision-making process. Moreover, the LFP activity in the gamma-band was modulated by the behavioral outcomes of pigeons. It could decode effectively the motion directions of animals. These results indicate that the gamma rhythm of LFP recorded from the NCL correlates with the goal-directed behavior of pigeons.
