Two-way ANOVA failed to reveal a reliable rearing X handling interaction (P > 0.05). A priori comparisons were performed separately in non-handled and handled rats on this measure (see Methods). In the prefrontal cortex, isolation rearing of non handled rats increased 2-AG levels (t8.24 = −3.71, P = 0.006; Fig. 6b) relative to their group-reared counterparts (P > 0.05). By contrast, 2-AG levels in the prefrontal cortex were similar in isolation- and group-reared rats subjected to handling. In this same structure, anandamide levels were not differentially altered by handling in isolates (P > 0.05; 6c). In the piriform cortex, isolation rearing increased both 2-AG (t8.06 = −2.48, P = 0.038; Fig. 6e) and anandamide (t14 = −2.20, P = 0.045; Fig. 6f) levels in non-handled rats compared to their group reared counterparts. These latter effects of isolation rearing were absent in handled rats (P > 0.05).
