Expectancy-related changes in firing of dopamine neurons depend on hippocampus.

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and hippocampus (HC) both contribute to the cognitive maps that support flexible behavior. Previously, we used the dopamine neurons to measure the functional role of OFC. We recorded midbrain dopamine neurons as rats performed an odor-based choice task, in which expected rewards were manipulated across blocks.

Expectancy-related changes in firing of dopamine neurons depend on hippocampus.

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and hippocampus (HC) are both implicated in forming the cognitive or task maps that support flexible behavior. Previously, we used the dopamine neurons as a sensor or tool to measure the functional effects of OFC lesions (Takahashi et al., 2011).