A neuronal mechanism for motivational control of behavior

Abstract

The amygdala and goal-directed actions Almost everything we do in our daily lives is goal directed. The brain can maintain a motivational state to direct actions to achieve desired outcomes. Using deep-brain calcium imaging, electrophysiology, and optogenetics in mice, Courtin et al . observed that at the time of goal-directed action, basolateral amygdala principal neurons integrate and encode pursued outcome identity, pursued outcome value, and action-outcome contingency information. At the time of consumption, basolateral amygdala neuronal firing represents current outcome identity and value. Together, action- and consumption-associated activity integrate behaviorally relevant information at distinct time points along goal-directed action-consumption sequences. —PRS