Figure 15.

Summary of changes in PNN density between genotypes in maternal behavior context. (Quadrants I-IV) The changes in PNN density (grey and black shading) marked inside the brain slices denote comparisons between conditions connected by outside arrows between brain schemas. Arrows inside the brain schemas indicate hemispheric differences within genotype, with arrowheads pointing to the hemisphere with the higher PNN density. (IVàI) Comparing SW to NW, PNN density is increased in right S1BF (black) and decreased in left S1FL (blue) regions of SW. Within SW, PNN density is higher in the right hemisphere, particularly in S1FL and S1DZ. Taken together, PNN density changes in these particular subregions could contribute to tactile perception in SW, ultimately leading to efficient pup retrieval. (IIàI) NH has increased PNN density in specific subregions compared to the NW, suggesting possible tactile perception issues before maternal experience, which could contribute to Mecp2^Het’S inefficient pup retrieval performance. (IIIàII) SH has increased PNN density in the right S1ULp (black) and decreased PNN density in left S1J (blue), compared to NH, suggesting possible compensatory plasticity mechanisms after maternal experience in Mecp2^Het. SH also displays higher right hemisphere PNN density in S1FL and S1DZ than its left hemisphere, similar to SW, suggesting that right hemisphere-specific increases in PNNs in S1FL and S1DZ might be important for processing tactile information during pup retrieval task.