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VTA Dopamine Neurons Multiplex External with Internal Representations of Goal-Directed Action

49 Pages Posted: 14 Sep 2018 Publication Status: Review Complete

See all articles by Kremer Yves

Kremer Yves

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences

Flakowski Jérôme

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences

Rohner Clément

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences

Christian Luscher

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences

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Abstract

Dopamine (DA) released from VTA neurons in response to external cues or rewards may represent a learning signal. Here we introduce a spatial task where a reward-predicting cue instructs mice to navigate to a specific location. Simultaneous in vivo single-unit recordings revealed that DA neurons multiplexed an internal representation of the animal’s goal-directed actions (locomotion, licking, distance) with phasic responses to cue and reward. Neuronal activity discriminated between rewarded and failed trials, generating an error signal even in the absence of external cues. Following a contingency change, mice readily learned to move to a different location, which became impossible, if the internal error signal was jammed by optogenetic stimulation. We conclude that a multiplexed internal representation of the task modulates VTA DA neuron activity, engaging a learning process that leads to the behavioral adaptation of goal directed action.

Suggested Citation

Yves, Kremer and Jérôme, Flakowski and Clément, Rohner and Luscher, Christian, VTA Dopamine Neurons Multiplex External with Internal Representations of Goal-Directed Action (September 14, 2018). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3249465 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3249465
This version of the paper has not been formally peer reviewed.

Kremer Yves

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences ( email )

102 Bd Carl-Vogt
Genève, CH - 1205
Switzerland

Flakowski Jérôme

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences

102 Bd Carl-Vogt
Genève, CH - 1205
Switzerland

Rohner Clément

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences

102 Bd Carl-Vogt
Genève, CH - 1205
Switzerland

Christian Luscher (Contact Author)

University of Geneva - Department of Clinical Neurosciences ( email )

102 Bd Carl-Vogt
Genève, CH - 1205
Switzerland

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