The Dynamics of Brain Activity During Adaptation to Restrictions of External Performance of an Element of Individual Experience

Abstract

Introduction. This study concentrates on changes in individual experience when the external performance of one of its elements – namely, the system that is formed during learning this behavioral act – becomes impossible. The circumstances entailing inability to perform the behavior that have previously helped to achieve results are considered as ‘restriction’. The primary objective of this study was to identify possible modifications in the structure of individual experience when one of its elements cannot be performed, which is reflected in changes in the characteristics of neural activity.

Methods. Neuronal activity in rat cortex was recorded during restricted food-seeking instrumental behaviors, when we removed the pedal in one side of the cage, which was previously associated with feeding. In order to determine the patterns of neuronal activity and to analyze its dynamics we recorded it before restriction of definitive behavior, and after restriction in the opposite side of the cage when the pedal was not removed.

Results. Compared to definitive behavior, changes in neuronal activity in terms of restriction are mainly associated with the loss of the ability to perform behaviors leading to goal achievement. The results speak in favor of neurons that were activated in preserved behavior and changed their activity in terms of restriction (which was possible both before and during restriction).

Discussion. The findings confirm modifications in the structure of individual experience associated with restrictions of external performance of one of its elements that affect not only the restricted element of experience, but also the elements associated with it. Experiments aimed at identifying mechanisms influencing memory in animals are important for understanding the dynamics of human memory, as well as for developing approaches to its ‘editing’ in clinical practice.