**4. Conclusions**

This study provides evidence of the interference caused by scorpion envenoming on maternal behavior and on the development of the central nervous system of the pups. A decrease in the care provided to immature pups is clear. Furthermore, it was possible to observe a lower seizure threshold in the offspring of injured mothers. Our results highlight the importance of the perinatal context in the individual's health, even in adulthood.

#### **5. Materials and Methods**

#### *5.1. Venom and Drugs*

Dried venom of *T. serrulatus* obtained from the Strategic Nucleus of Venoms and Antivenoms of Butantan Institute (São Paulo, Brazil) was dissolved in 0.9% NaCl and injected (4.0 mg/kg, s.c.) into the back of lactating rats. The control group was injected with 0.9% NaCl (1.0 mL/kg s.c.).

Pentylenotetrazole (PTZ; Sigma-Aldrich™, St. Louis, MO, USA) was dissolved in 0.9% NaCl and injected in the adult offspring (initial dose of 20 mg/kg i.p., and booster doses of 10 mg/kg every 10 min).
