Serotonin-Mediated Effects of Maternal Presence on Brain Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex of Pups: Implications for Maternal Neglect

A, Maternal presence (IN) increases low-frequency oscillation power in the PFC of pups, when compared to maternal absence (OUT). B, A 5-HT2R antagonist blocks the maternal regulation of pup PFC activity. C, Administration of an SSRI increases PFC activity of pups in isolation compared to saline-treated controls. D, This effect was blocked by a 5-HT2R antagonist. Blocking 5-HT2Rs while coadministering an SSRI confirmed involvement of 5-HT2Rs in mediating pup PFC activity.