Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2025
12:09
Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans
Published on: March 19, 2014
23.4K
Neuronal Ensembles in the Infralimbic Cortex Dynamically Process Distinct Aspects of Hedonic Value.
Seth W Hurley1, Joaquin E Douton1, Regina M Carelli2
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.
Summary
The infralimbic cortex (IL) dynamically encodes both innate and learned hedonic states. Specific neuronal ensembles process objective and subjective stimulus values, crucial for guiding behavior and understanding affective disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Affective Science
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Hedonic processing is vital for adaptive behaviors.
- The infralimbic cortex (IL) is a critical brain region for hedonic processing in mammals.
- Dysregulated affective processing is implicated in psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the infralimbic cortex (IL) in encoding innate versus conditioned hedonic states.
- To examine how IL neuronal activity changes in response to rewarding and aversive stimuli, and after taste devaluation.
- To differentiate between the encoding of objective and subjective hedonic value within the IL.
Main Methods:
- Deep brain in vivo calcium imaging in freely behaving rats.
- Taste reactivity tests with sucrose (rewarding) and quinine (aversive) stimuli.
- Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm to devalue sucrose.
Main Results:
- Most IL neurons responded to sucrose, quinine, or both, with some encoding hedonic processing.
- After CTA, sucrose-selective neurons were disengaged, and quinine-selective neurons were recruited.
- Distinct IL neuronal ensembles encoded objective hedonic value, while others encoded subjective hedonic value, showing dynamic shifts after devaluation.
Conclusions:
- The infralimbic cortex (IL) exhibits dynamic ensemble activity for processing hedonic value.
- Parallel processing of objective and subjective hedonic information occurs within the IL.
- Findings offer insights into neural mechanisms of affect and potential targets for psychiatric disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Olfaction
44.4K
The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
44.4K
01:15Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
2.9K
The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...
2.9K
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
3.9K
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
3.9K
01:30Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
2.1K
The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the...
2.1K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
5.4K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
5.4K
01:24Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
525
The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at...
525