Abstract
The study of patients with brain lesions has contributed greatly to our understanding of the biological bases of human cognition, but this approach also has several unavoidable limitations. Research that uses animal models complements and extends human neuropsychology by addressing many of these limitations. In this review, we provide an overview of permanent and reversible animal lesion techniques for researchers of human neuropsychology, with the aim of highlighting how these methods provide a valuable adjunct to behavioural, neuroimaging, physiological, and clinical investigations in humans. Research in animals has provided important lessons about how the limitations of one or more techniques, or differences in their mechanism of action, has impacted upon the understanding of brain organisation and function. These cautionary tales highlight the importance of striving for a thorough understanding of how any intereference technique works (whether in animal or human), and for how to best use animal research to clarify the precise mechanisms underlying temporary lesion methods in humans.
Highlights
To attribute a cognitive function to a particular brain region or network, several criteria must be met [see Parker and Newsome (1998) for discussion]
Researchers infer such causal links when they can show that a lesion to a brain area impairs function A but not function B, and especially when they can show that a lesion to a different brain area impairs function B but not function A [a double dissociation Teuber (1955)]
For the purposes of this review, we primarily focus on those techniques that are currently in common use with non-human primates because they are the animal model of choice for studying higher-order cognitive functions;
Summary
To attribute a cognitive function to a particular brain region or network, several criteria must be met [see Parker and Newsome (1998) for discussion]. To confirm a causal relationship, it is critical to interfere with the function of that brain region or network and establish that there is a measureable impact on behaviour. One of the longest-established methods of determining a causal link between a given region or network and a cognitive function is through the study of patients with brain lesions. Researchers infer such causal links when they can show that a lesion to a brain area impairs function A but not function B (a dissociation), and especially when they can show that a lesion to a different brain area impairs function B but not function A [a double dissociation Teuber (1955)]. The fundamental approach of examining lesions in human patients remains one of the most valuable tools for understanding brain function
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