Reward-related neuronal activities in basal ganglia of domestic chicks

Neuroreport. 2001 May 25;12(7):1431-5. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200105250-00027.

Abstract

We aimed to reveal what is coded in the basal ganglia of domestic chicks. In the water-reinforced 'go' task, chicks learned to peck selectively at a colored bead in order to obtain a drop of water. Out of 38 units obtained, seven showed excitatory activities specifically during the reward period. In the food-reinforced go/no-go task, chicks learned to discriminate two colors to obtain mash food after a delay period. They also learned to ignore another color, which was not associated with a reward. Out of 27 units obtained, four showed excitatory activities during the cue period, specifically when a food reward was anticipated. LPO neurons may code qualities of the obtained rewards, and also chick's anticipation of the forthcoming rewards.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Basal Ganglia / anatomy & histology
  • Basal Ganglia / growth & development
  • Basal Ganglia / physiology*
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Chickens / anatomy & histology
  • Chickens / growth & development
  • Chickens / physiology*
  • Discrimination Learning / physiology*
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Reward*