Orbitofrontal inactivation impairs reversal of Pavlovian learning by interfering with disinhibition of responding for previously unrewarded cues

摘要: Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is critical for reversal learning. Reversal deficits are typically demonstrated in complex settings that combine Pavlovian and instrumental Yet recent work has implicated the OFC specifically behaviors guided by cues features of specific outcomes they predict. To test whether important reversing such associations absence confounding requirements, we trained rats on a simple task which two auditory were presented, one paired with food pellet reward other presented without reward. After learning, reversed cue-outcome associations. For half rats, was inactivated prior to each session. Inactivation impaired ability reverse conditioned responding. This deficit reflected inability develop normal responding previously unrewarded cue; inactivation had no impact inhibit rewarded cue. These data show responding, role this behavior cannot be explained as response inhibition. Furthermore, contrast between inhibition reported here, during over-expectation, previously, suggests novel hypothesis may particularly learning (or behavior) when it requires subject generate predictions about bringing together or integrating disparate pieces associative information.