Orbitofrontal cortex neurons
Choices between 2 options (bundles) that each have 2 reward components can address the issue (top right). When each reward component is plotted on a 2D map, lines connect bundles of equal utility, as assessed by equal choice frequency (indifference) (bottom left). Transitivity confirms that higher lines represent higher utility (bottom right). View the report here (Pastor-Bernier et al. 2017).
Equally preferred options (choice indifference, red, green) elicit similar responses (top right) in single orbitofrontal neuron: similar responses despite different juice amounts. Preferred (higher valued) choice options (orange) elicit stronger responses despite partial physical dominance. Both results demonstrate integrated value coding. Neuronal population responses (bottom) match behavioural choice indifference curves within 95% confidence intervals (bottom). View the report here (Pastor-Bernier et al. 2019).
The continuing consumption of a bundle containing blackcurrant juice and grape juice changes the value relationship between the two juices (left): gradually less blackcurrant juice is given up to gain the same amount of grape juice (coloured dots), as shown by progressively flattening choice indifference curves (coloured curves). Thus, grape juice has lost value relative to blackcurrant juice, indicating satiety for grape juice relative to blackcurrant juice. The neuronal responses to the bundle stimuli follow the flattened indifference curves (right), as shown by the responses with sated grape juice (bottom right). Thus, the reward signal in OFC neurons reflects satiety-induced value changes of individual choice options. View the report here (Pastor-Bernier et al. 2021).
A three-dimensional display of increasing scalar signal of orbitofrontal neurons with increasing preference (utility) of two-dimensional vectorial choice options (x and y: amounts of the two juices, z (x,y): neuronal signal as a function of both juice amounts). View the report here (Pastor-Bernier et al. 2019).
