Fig. 3: Neurochemistry alterations post-chronic MDZ exposure.

LC-MS analysis on released neurotransmitters revealed that early chronic MDZ exposure slightly increased dopamine levels in the PFC in P21 rats. Notably, in the early adolescent (P28) timepoint, dopamine metabolites such as DOPAC and HVA were significantly decreased as well as the GABA levels. For adolescent time points (P45), the release of serotonin (5-HT) was significantly increased. For early adulthood (P60), only dopamine is significantly lower in MDZ animals. Significance is determined using Two-Way ANOVA with Sidak’s multiple comparisons. Data represented as mean ± SEM, n = 4–10, n.d. = no data. *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01. Data points for all panels and details on sample size and statistical analyses are provided in Source Data and Statistical Supplemental data files.