We record and analyze multi-cellular neural activity from the prefrontal cortex of rats (10 rats) during task execution using high-density integrated electrodes (Neuropixels).

(1) Implementation of microscopy and start of staffing and optimization of measurement

(a) In addition to Neuropixels for deep brain regions, we installed a wide-field microscope for measuring signals from the cerebral cortex.

(b) An adeno-associated virus vector expressing GCaMP6, a fluorescent protein for measuring neural activity, was injected into the cerebral cortex, and changes in the brightness of GCaMP6 were successfully measured through an open window.

(c) A postdoctoral researcher with extensive experience in visual psychological experiments using mice, measurement experiments using optical devices, and task design for animal behavior was hired as of March 1, 2023.

(2) Physiological data measurement on behavior and desire for reward during operant conditioning

Neural activity from the medial prefrontal cortex was recorded during performance of the FR1 task, which is immediately rewarded by a button press. Recording was performed across periods in which the subjective value of the reward changed throughout the session. Experiments were conducted on 10 rats, and the analysis is ongoing.