Rodent models of prefrontal cortical function

Abstract

In this article, we consider whether studies in rats can provide useful information regarding the debate about the functions of the primate prefrontal cortex. At a superficial level, comparison of regional specializations within the prefrontal cortices of different species suggests functional correspondence. Unfortunately, the nature of functional specialization in primate prefrontal cortex is controversial, and data supporting the idea of homology between specific areas of rat and primate prefrontal cortex are weak. Nevertheless, we argue here that studies of the computational functions within the relatively undifferentiated prefrontal cortex of rats can shed light on processing in primate prefrontal cortex.