Different Neuronal Computations of Spatial Working Memory for Multiple Locations within versus across Visual Hemifields

Spatial working memory is one of the most studied cognitive functions, serving as a model system to decipher computational principles of the brain. Although neuronal mechanisms for remembering a single location have been well elucidated, little is known about memory for multiple locations. Here, we examined the activities of prefrontal neurons during monkeys remembered positions of one or two visual cue(s). When the two cues were presented across the left and right visual fields, neurons exhibited a comparable response to the activity for the preferred cue presented alone. When the two cues were presented within the same hemifield, neurons exhibited an intermediate response between those to the individual cues. Subsequent computer simulations predicted a lower signal-to-noise ratio in the latter condition, which was further verified by behavioral experiments. Considering the separation of contralateral and ipsilateral visual processing, the lateral inhibition in local circuits might implicitly determine different neuronal computations and memory capacities for bilateral and unilateral displays.