過去の学習記憶を未来の適応行動に活かす神経機構

Neural Mechanisms That Facilitate Adaptive Behavior Based on Acquired Stimulus−Outcome Information

われわれは常に，さまざまな外的・内的状況に対し過去の学習記憶をもとに適切に行動する必要がある。この種の意思決定に重要なのが大脳連合野の前頭眼窩野（OFC）である。本論は，不確実な報酬の情報処理に関するOFC機能を例に，現在想定されているOFCの役割について概説する。さらにOFCを含む神経回路が状況特異的，かつタイミング特異的な意思決定に果たす因果的役割を解明する重要性，およびそのために必要な方法論について論じる。

Abstract

In response to changing internal and external situations, we always need to adapt our behavior based on previous experiences, particularly, acquired stimulus-outcome information. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a prefrontal cortical region, is critical for this type of decision-making. The current understanding of the fundamental functions of the OFC has been reviewed by introducing, as an example, how the OFC contributes to the processing of uncertain rewards. Furthermore, the importance of revealing context and temporally specific causal roles of neural circuits including the OFC in decision-making, as well as the techniques to achieve the goal, have been discussed.