Neuronal synchronicity in the pigeon “prefrontal cortex” during learning

In general electrophysiological studies focus on the investigation of changes in discharge rate of neuronal responses which are related to sensory or behavioral events. However, equally important for explanation of higher cognitive functions, learning, memory storage and complex behavior is the interaction between neurons that are connected in cell assemblies. Synchronized inputs onto a neuron are much more effective at eliciting the following activity than uncorrelated inputs. The goal of the present study was to determine either the changes in discharge rate of neurons in the pigeon nidopallium caudolaterale as well as the synchronicity of these neurons during a discriminatory learning task. We found rate modulation effects as well as modulation of synchronization during the learning process.