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Updated: Dec 18, 2025
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Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
Published on: August 1, 2018
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Long-Term Value Memory in the Primate Posterior Thalamus for Fast Automatic Action
Hyoung F Kim1, Whitney S Griggs2, Okihide Hikosaka2
1School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
Current Biology : CB
|June 13, 2020
Summary
Neurons in the posterior thalamus, specifically the suprageniculate nucleus (SGN), store historical value memories for visual objects. This discovery reveals a subcortical circuit for value-based decision making and automatic gaze control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Decision Neuroscience
Background:
- The thalamus is a crucial relay center for sensory and motor information.
- Basal ganglia (BG) nuclei are involved in value-based decision making.
- The posterior thalamus's role in value processing remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the posterior thalamus encodes value memory.
- To identify specific thalamic nuclei involved in value representation.
- To elucidate the circuit mechanisms underlying value-based decision making.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings in rhesus macaques.
- Anatomical tracing to identify inputs to the posterior thalamus.
- Analysis of neuronal activity during visual object learning and memory retention.
Main Results:
- Neurons in the posterior thalamus, particularly the suprageniculate nucleus (SGN), encode historical value memory of visual objects.
- These value-coding neurons receive input from the superior colliculus (SC) and exhibit visual responses.
- Value discrimination activity in these neurons strengthens during learning and is retained for over 200 days.
Conclusions:
- Single neurons in the posterior thalamus represent historical value, not just visual information.
- A subcortical circuit involving the SC, posterior thalamus, and BG may enable rapid, value-driven gaze control by bypassing the visual cortex.
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