Increases in Functional Connectivity between Prefrontal Cortex and Striatum during Category Learning

Functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum (STR) is thought critical for cognition and has been linked to conditions like autism and schizophrenia. We recorded from multiple electrodes in PFC and STR while monkeys acquired new categories. Category learning was accompanied by an increase in beta band synchronization of LFPs between, but not within, the PFC and STR. After learning, different pairs of PFC-STR electrodes showed stronger synchrony for one or the other category, suggesting category-specific functional circuits. This category-specific synchrony was also seen between PFC spikes and STR LFPs, but not the reverse, reflecting the direct monosynaptic connections from the PFC to STR. However, causal connectivity analyses suggested that the polysynaptic connections from STR to the PFC exerted a stronger overall influence. This supports models positing that the basal ganglia “train” the PFC. Category learning may depend on the formation of functional circuits between the PFC and STR. •Beta synchrony between PFC and striatum increases with category learning•Category-selective synchrony from PFC to striatum emerges after category learning•No changes in synchrony within PFC or striatum•Striatum exerts stronger influence on PFC than PFC on striatum Antzoulatos and Miller show that beta synchrony between prefrontal cortex and striatum increases as monkeys began to learn new categories. After the categories are learned, there are category-specific patterns of synchrony. Synchrony may form new networks during category learning.