Neural correlates of naturalistic single-trial appetitive conditioning

Background: Prior research suggests naturalistic single-trial appetitive conditioning may be a potent phenomenon in humans, capable of modulating both motivation and attention. In this study, we aimed to characterise the neural correlates of this phenomenon using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) paradigms Methods: Twenty-three healthy adults (12 males) underwent conditioning during which they ate a novel 3D object made from white chocolate (CS+) and handled a similar object made from plastic (CS-). Brain activity was recorded before and after conditioning during a passive viewing paradigm Results: A naturalistic CS+ was rated as more highly craved, better-liked and elicited greater expectancies for chocolate than the CS- after conditioning. An exploration of the interaction between time (pre- and postconditioning) and CS type (CS+, CS-) during the passive viewing task suggested enhanced activation from pre- to post-conditioning in the right superior frontal gyrus (R.SFG) in response to the CS-. Conclusion: Results reveal neural correlates of single-trial appetitive conditioning and highlight a possible role of response inhibition during learning about non-rewards, perhaps optimizing motivated behaviour. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underpinning rapid reward and non-reward learning, and may inform development of behavioural interventions for reward-driven overeating.

Automated summary

This study used fMRI paradigms to investigate the neural correlates of naturalistic single-trial appetitive conditioning. The results showed that after conditioning, participants had stronger cravings and preferences for the CS+ compared to the CS-, and higher expectancies for chocolate. During the passive viewing task, enhanced activation in the right superior frontal gyrus was observed in response to the CS-.