Inhibition of midbrain cholinergic neurons impairs decision-making strategies during reversal learning

Our results highlight the role of PPN cholinergic neurons in dynamically updating action-outcome expectations and adapting to new contingencies. The observed impairments in decision-making under PPN cholinergic inhibition align with cognitive deficits associated with cholinergic dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders. These findings suggest that cholinergic neurons in the PPN are essential for maximizing rewards through the flexible updating of behavioral strategies.