How internal states affect decision making in the brain of non-human primates
Official title: Effects of Internal State on Social and Non-Social Decision Making in the Non-Human Primate Prefrontal Cortex
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11072367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feelings and body needs affect decision-making in monkeys, specifically by exploring how their brains respond when faced with choices, and it uses a special medication to help understand these effects better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,888 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS141253-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with conditions affecting decision making, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by emotional or cognitive disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how physiological and psychological factors, such as emotional states and homeostatic needs, influence decision making in the brain of non-human primates. By examining the anterior cingulate cortex of rhesus macaques, the study aims to understand how these internal states are represented in the brain and how they affect choices during approach-avoidance tasks. The researchers will manipulate the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity using a drug called glycopyrrolate, which helps to isolate the effects of these internal states on neuronal firing rates. This approach will provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying decision making.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of how internal states influence decision making, potentially leading to better treatments for emotional and cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of manipulating internal states in non-human primates is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding decision making processes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cardenas, Michael — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Cardenas, Michael
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.