Common Ground: Both studies investigate neurobiological effects of prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with an emphasis on neurotransmitter systems and behavioral outcomes.
Key Differences: Current study focuses on gender-specific differences in cholinergic and GABA-ergic receptor expression in adult rat brains. Recommended study analyzes neuronal activation and functional connectivity in juvenile male mouse brains during social interactions.
Methodologies: Current study uses immunoblotting to measure receptor levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. Recommended study employs c-Fos immunohistochemistry and functional connectivity analysis within the social decision-making network and stress-regulatory nuclei.
Complementary Aspects: Current study provides molecular insights on receptor expression differences in adult brains; recommended study offers network-level understanding of functional connectivity in juvenile brains during social behaviors.
Potential Impact: Combining findings could elucidate developmental trajectories of ASD and guide targeted interventions for distinct gender and age-related neurobiological patterns.

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