Orbitofrontal cortex supports behavior and learning using inferred but not cached values

Abstract

Computational and learning theory models propose that behavioral control reflects value that is both cached (computed and stored during previous experience) and inferred (estimated on the fly on the basis of knowledge of the causal structure of the environment). The latter is thought to depend on the orbitofrontal cortex. Yet some accounts propose that the orbitofrontal cortex contributes to behavior by signaling "economic" value, regardless of the associative basis of the information. We found that the orbitofrontal cortex is critical for both value-based behavior and learning when value must be inferred but not when a cached value is sufficient. The orbitofrontal cortex is thus fundamental for accessing model-based representations of the environment to compute value rather than for signaling value per se.

Fig. 1

The OFC is necessary when behavior is based on inferred value. Figures show the percentage of time spent in food cup during presentation of the cues during each of the three phases of training: preconditioning (A,B), conditioning (C,D), and the probe test (E,F). OFC was inactivated only during the probe test. Cannulae positions are shown below, vehicle (Black circles), OFCi (Gray circles). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 or better. Error bars = SEM.

Fig. 2

The OFC is necessary when learning is based on inferred value. Figures show the percentage of time spent in food cup during presentation of the cues during blocking (A,B) and the subsequent probe test (C,D). OFC was inactivated during blocking. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 or better. Error bars = SEM.