Learning to optimize perceptual decisions through suppressive interactions in the human brain

Nat Commun. 2019 Jan 28;10(1):474. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-08313-y.

Abstract

Translating noisy sensory signals to perceptual decisions is critical for successful interactions in complex environments. Learning is known to improve perceptual judgments by filtering external noise and task-irrelevant information. Yet, little is known about the brain mechanisms that mediate learning-dependent suppression. Here, we employ ultra-high field magnetic resonance spectroscopy of GABA to test whether suppressive processing in decision-related and visual areas facilitates perceptual judgments during training. We demonstrate that parietal GABA relates to suppression of task-irrelevant information, while learning-dependent changes in visual GABA relate to enhanced performance in target detection and feature discrimination tasks. Combining GABA measurements with functional brain connectivity demonstrates that training on a target detection task involves local connectivity and disinhibition of visual cortex, while training on a feature discrimination task involves inter-cortical interactions that relate to suppressive visual processing. Our findings provide evidence that learning optimizes perceptual decisions through suppressive interactions in decision-related networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Decision Making / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Judgment
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Male
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Visual Cortex / physiology*
  • Visual Perception / physiology*
  • Young Adult
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid