1
|
Flentke GR, Smith SM. The avian embryo as a model for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 96:98-106. [PMID: 29024604 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2017-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) remains a leading preventable cause of structural birth defects and permanent neurodevelopmental disability. The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a powerful embryological research model, and was possibly the first in which the teratogenicity of alcohol was demonstrated. Pharmacologically relevant exposure to alcohol in the range of 20-70 mmol/L (20-80 mg/egg) disrupt the growth of chicken embryos, morphogenesis, and behavior, and the resulting phenotypes strongly parallel those of mammalian models. The avian embryo's direct accessibility has enabled novel insights into the teratogenic mechanisms of alcohol. These include the contribution of IGF1 signaling to growth suppression, the altered flow dynamics that reshape valvuloseptal morphogenesis and mediate its cardiac teratogenicity, and the suppression of Wnt and Shh signals thereby disrupting the migration, expansion, and survival of the neural crest, and underlie its characteristic craniofacial deficits. The genetic diversity within commercial avian strains has enabled the identification of unique loci, such as ribosome biogenesis, that modify vulnerability to alcohol. This venerable research model is equally relevant for the future, as the application of technological advances including CRISPR, optogenetics, and biophotonics to the embryo's ready accessibility creates a unique model in which investigators can manipulate and monitor the embryo in real-time to investigate the effect of alcohol on cell fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George R Flentke
- UNC-Nutrition Research Institute and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA.,UNC-Nutrition Research Institute and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Susan M Smith
- UNC-Nutrition Research Institute and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA.,UNC-Nutrition Research Institute and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lucas BR, Latimer J, Fitzpatrick JP, Doney R, Watkins RE, Tsang TW, Jirikowic T, Carmichael Olson H, Oscar J, Carter M, Elliott EJ. Soft neurological signs and prenatal alcohol exposure: a population-based study in remote Australia. Dev Med Child Neurol 2016; 58:861-7. [PMID: 26991727 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To identify soft neurological signs (SNS) in a population-based study of children living in remote Aboriginal communities in the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia, born between 2002 and 2003 and explore the relationship between SNS, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). METHOD The presence of SNS was assessed using the Quick Neurological Screening Test, 2nd edition (QNST-2), which has a total maximum score of 140. Higher scores indicated more SNS. 'Severe discrepancy' was defined as scores less than or equal to the fifth centile while 'moderate discrepancy' represented scores from the sixth to the 24th centile. Children were assigned FASD diagnoses using modified Canadian FASD diagnostic guidelines. RESULTS A total of 108 of 134 (80.6%) eligible children (mean age 8y 9mo, SD=6mo, 53% male) were assessed. The median QNST-2 Total Score for all participants was within the normal category (19.0, range 4-66). However, the median QNST-2 Total Score was higher in children with than without (1) PAE (r=0.2, p=0.045) and (2) FASD (r=0.3, p=0.004). Half (8/16) of children scoring 'moderate discrepancy' and all (2/2) children scoring 'severe discrepancy' had at least three domains of central nervous system impairment. INTERPRETATION SNS were more common in children with PAE or FASD, consistent with the known neurotoxic effect of PAE. The QNST-2 is a useful screen for subtle neurological dysfunction indicating the need for more comprehensive assessment in children with PAE or FASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara R Lucas
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Latimer
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James P Fitzpatrick
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robyn Doney
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rochelle E Watkins
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tracey W Tsang
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracy Jirikowic
- Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather Carmichael Olson
- Seattle Children's Research Institute and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - June Oscar
- Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, Fitzroy Crossing, WA, Australia
| | - Maureen Carter
- Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services, Fitzroy Crossing, WA, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lucas BR, Doney R, Latimer J, Watkins RE, Tsang TW, Hawkes G, Fitzpatrick JP, Oscar J, Carter M, Elliott EJ. Impairment of motor skills in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016; 35:719-727. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara R. Lucas
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- Physiotherapy Department; Royal North Shore Hospital; Sydney Australia
| | - Robyn Doney
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Perth Australia
| | - Jane Latimer
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Rochelle E. Watkins
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia; Perth Australia
| | - Tracey W. Tsang
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
| | - Genevieve Hawkes
- Derby Allied Health Service; Western Australian Country Health Services; Derby Australia
| | - James P. Fitzpatrick
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia; Perth Australia
| | - June Oscar
- Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre; Fitzroy Crossing Australia
- University of Notre Dame; Broome Australia
| | - Maureen Carter
- Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services; Fitzroy Crossing Australia
| | - Elizabeth J. Elliott
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- The Sydney Children's Hospital Networks (Westmead); Sydney Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lucas BR, Latimer J, Pinto RZ, Ferreira ML, Doney R, Lau M, Jones T, Dries D, Elliott EJ. Gross motor deficits in children prenatally exposed to alcohol: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2014; 134:e192-209. [PMID: 24913787 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-3733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Gross motor (GM) deficits are often reported in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), but their prevalence and the domains affected are not clear. The objective of this review was to characterize GM impairment in children with a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or "moderate" to "heavy" maternal alcohol intake. METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. Medline, Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Published observational studies including children aged 0 to ≤18 years with (1) an FASD diagnosis or moderate to heavy PAE, or a mother with confirmed alcohol dependency or binge drinking during pregnancy, and (2) GM outcomes obtained by using a standardized assessment tool. Data were extracted regarding participants, exposure, diagnosis, and outcomes by using a standardized protocol. Methodological quality was evaluated by using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. RESULTS The search recovered 2881 articles of which 14 met the systematic review inclusion criteria. The subjects' mean age ranged from 3 days to 13 years. Study limitations included failure to report cutoffs for impairment, nonstandardized reporting of PAE, and small sample sizes. The meta-analysis pooled results (n = 10) revealed a significant association between a diagnosis of FASD or moderate to heavy PAE and GM impairment (odds ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval: 2.1-4.0). GM deficits were found in balance, coordination, and ball skills. There was insufficient data to determine prevalence. CONCLUSIONS The significant results suggest evaluation of GM proficiency should be a standard component of multidisciplinary FASD diagnostic services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara R Lucas
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia;The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, andPoche Centre for Indigenous Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;Physiotherapy Department, and
| | - Jane Latimer
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, and
| | - Rafael Z Pinto
- Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia;Departamento de Fisioterapia, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Presidente Prudente, Brazil
| | | | - Robyn Doney
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mandy Lau
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, and
| | - Taryn Jones
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; and
| | | | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia;The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, andThe Sydney Children's Hospital Networks (Westmead), Westmead, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Samantaray S, Patel KS, Knaryan VH, Thakore NP, Roudabush S, Heissenbuttle JH, Becker HC, Banik NL. Calpain inhibition prevents ethanol-induced alterations in spinal motoneurons. Neurochem Res 2013; 38:1734-41. [PMID: 23690229 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-013-1077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Long-term exposure of ethanol (EtOH) alters the structure and function in brain and spinal cord. The present study addresses the mechanisms of EtOH-induced damaging effects on spinal motoneurons in vitro. Altered morphology and biochemical changes of such damage were demonstrated by in situ Wright staining and DNA ladder assay. EtOH at low to moderate (25-50 mM) concentrations induced damaging effects in the motoneuronal scaffold which involved activation of proteases like μ-calpain and caspase-3. Caspase-8 was seen only at higher (100 mM) EtOH concentration. Further, pretreatment with calpeptin, a potent calpain inhibitor, confirmed the involvement of active proteases in EtOH-induced damage to motoneurons. The lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D was also elevated in the motoneurons by EtOH, and this effect was significantly attenuated by inhibitor treatment. Overall, EtOH exposure rendered spinal motoneurons vulnerable to damage, and calpeptin provided protection, suggesting a critical role of calpain activation in EtOH-induced alterations in spinal motoneurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Supriti Samantaray
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 309 CSB, MSC 606, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nguyen TT, Levy SS, Riley EP, Thomas JD, Simmons RW. Children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure experience reduced control of isotonic force. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 37:315-24. [PMID: 22834891 PMCID: PMC3752030 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01896.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure can result in diverse and extensive damage to the central nervous system, including the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex. Given that these brain regions are involved in the generation and maintenance of motor force, we predicted that prenatal alcohol exposure would adversely affect this parameter of motor control. We previously reported that children with gestational alcohol exposure experience significant deficits in regulating isometric (i.e., constant) force. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these children exhibit similar deficits when producing isotonic (i.e., graded) force. METHODS Children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and typically developing children completed a series of isotonic force contractions by exerting force on a load cell to match a criterion target force displayed on a computer monitor. Two levels of target force (5 or 20% of maximum voluntary force) were investigated in combination with varying levels of visual feedback. RESULTS Compared with control children, children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure generated isotonic force signals that were less accurate, more variable, and less complex in the time domain. Specifically, interactions were found between group and visual feedback for response accuracy and signal complexity, suggesting that these children have greater difficulty altering their motor output when visual feedback is low. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure produces deficits in regulating isotonic force, which presumably result from alcohol-related damage to developing brain regions involved in motor control. These children will most likely experience difficulty performing basic motor skills and daily functional skills that require coordination of finely graded force. Therapeutic strategies designed to increase feedback and, consequently, facilitate visual-motor integration could improve isotonic force production in these children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya T. Nguyen
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120
- SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120
| | - Susan S. Levy
- Motor Control Laboratory, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Edward P. Riley
- SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120
| | - Jennifer D. Thomas
- SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120
| | - Roger W. Simmons
- Motor Control Laboratory, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mattson SN, Crocker N, Nguyen TT. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: neuropsychological and behavioral features. Neuropsychol Rev 2011; 21:81-101. [PMID: 21503685 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-011-9167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 388] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure can cause alterations to the developing brain. The resulting neurobehavioral deficits seen following this exposure are wide-ranging and potentially devastating and, therefore, are of significant concern to individuals, families, communities, and society. These effects occur on a continuum, and qualitatively similar neuropsychological and behavioral features are seen across the spectrum of effect. The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) has been used to emphasize the continuous nature of the outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure, with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) representing one point on the spectrum. This paper will provide a comprehensive review of the neuropsychological and behavioral effects of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure, including a discussion of the emerging neurobehavioral profile. Supporting studies of lower levels of exposure, brain-behavior associations, and animal model systems will be included when appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Mattson
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Giles S, Boehm P, Brogan C, Bannigan J. The effects of ethanol on CNS development in the chick embryo. Reprod Toxicol 2007; 25:224-30. [PMID: 18242952 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2007.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2007] [Revised: 11/08/2007] [Accepted: 11/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human and animal studies show that the central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to developmental exposure to alcohol across all stages of development. New critical periods of ethanol sensitivity continue to be defined. The aim of this study was to further examine the stage-specific effects of ethanol on CNS development using a relatively simple programme of neuronal migration and differentiation, the chick embryo spinal cord, and treating at the immediate post-neurulation stage. Embryos (HH-stage 10-12) were explanted into shell-less culture and treated with ethanol (20 microl/40%) or saline (20 microl). At 6,12, 24 and 48 h post-treatment specimens were processed for resin histology. In addition, levels of cell death were analysed using Lysotracker Red, neural crest cell migration patterns were examined using HNK-1 staining and effects on DNA synthesis were evaluated on autoradiographs prepared 1h after exposure to 3H-TdR. This treatment protocol produced significant growth retardation in ethanol specimens examined at 48 h post-treatment. This effect was shown to involve increased levels of cell death, perturbation of DNA synthesis and an abnormal translocation and subsequent loss of cells into the neural tube lumen. No gross malformations were observed. We conclude that these results further highlight the stage-specific effects of ethanol on neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seamus Giles
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zambelis T, Karandreas N, Tzavellas E, Kokotis P, Liappas J. Large and small fiber neuropathy in chronic alcohol-dependent subjects. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2006; 10:375-81. [PMID: 16279987 DOI: 10.1111/j.1085-9489.2005.00050.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of large and small fiber neuropathy among alcohol-dependent subjects and to correlate neuropathy with the pattern of alcohol abuse, age of the subjects, nutritional status, and biochemical parameters. The study sample comprised 98 consecutive alcohol-dependent subjects without signs of malnutrition treated for detoxification voluntarily in the specialized unit of the Athens University Psychiatric Clinic in an inpatient basis. Polyneuropathy (PN) was graded using the neuropathy symptoms score and neurologic disability score, conduction velocity studies, and quantitative sensory tests. Seventy-seven men and 21 women aged 27-70 years took part in the study. PN was diagnosed in 57 subjects (58.2%). PN of both large and small fibers was found in 25 patients (25.5%); exclusively small fiber neuropathy was observed in 12 (12.2%) and exclusively large fiber neuropathy in 20 patients (20.4%). Neuropathy was significantly correlated with the age of the subjects, duration of alcohol abuse, liver dysfunction, macrocytosis, and blood sugar levels upon admission. PN was significantly more frequent in males than in females. The two groups of exclusively large and exclusively small fiber neuropathy did not differ significantly in any clinical and laboratory parameter. Subclinical neuropathy (stage 1) was observed in 11.2%, which also did not differ significantly in any clinical and laboratory parameter from the stage 2 PN group subjects. Our findings indicate the direct toxic effect of alcohol on peripheral nerve fibers as the main etiologic factor of alcoholic PN. Long-standing hyperglycemia may be another contributing factor. Impaired vitamin B(12) utilization may be also involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zambelis
- EMG Laboratory, Department of Neurology, University of Athens, Aeginition Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Heaton MB, Paiva M, Madorsky I, Mayer J, Moore DB. Effects of ethanol on neurotrophic factors, apoptosis-related proteins, endogenous antioxidants, and reactive oxygen species in neonatal striatum: relationship to periods of vulnerability. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2003; 140:237-52. [PMID: 12586429 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-3806(02)00610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The developing central nervous system is extremely sensitive to ethanol, with well-defined temporal periods of vulnerability. Many brain regions are particularly susceptible to ethanol during the early neonatal period, corresponding to the human third trimester, which represents a dynamic period of growth and differentiation. For this study, neonatal rats were acutely exposed to ethanol or control conditions at a neonatal age when the developing striatum has been shown to be vulnerable to ethanol (postnatal day 3 [P3]), and at a later age (P14), when this developing region is relatively ethanol-resistant. We then analyzed basal levels of neurotrophic factors (NTFs), and ethanol-mediated changes in NTFs, apoptosis-related proteins, antioxidants, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which may underlie this differential temporal vulnerability. Sequential analyses were made following ethanol exposure on these two postnatal days, with assessments of NTFs nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4); apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Bax, Akt and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); antioxidants superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and catalase; and ROS. The results indicated that basal levels of BDNF, and to some degree NGF, were greater at the older age, and that ethanol exposure at the earlier age elicited considerably more pro-apoptotic and fewer pro-survival changes than those produced at the later age. Thus, differential temporal vulnerability to ethanol in this CNS region appears to be related to differences in both differential levels of protective substances (e.g. NTFs), and differential cellular responsiveness which favors apoptosis at the most sensitive age and survival at the resistant age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marieta Barrow Heaton
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Box 100244, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Although exposure to ethanol is known to cause growth inhibition in a developing embryo, the contributing effect of acetaldehyde on growth is not as well documented. In this study, we measured acetaldehyde-induced growth suppression in three different chicken strains: Peterson x Hubbard, HY x Hubbard, and W36 Ginther White Leghorn. The chicken embryo provides a useful model for studying fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and has been used extensively in our laboratory. The current study was undertaken to determine whether the chicken embryo could serve as a model for studying the effects of acetaldehyde on growth. Acetaldehyde caused a significant reduction in embryonic weights only at the higher acetaldehyde concentrations. Torso-to-head ratios were unchanged at every acetaldehyde dose for all strains, supporting the suggestion that acetaldehyde-induced growth suppression was generalized in all tissues, rather than being exhibited as a selective decrease of neuronal tissue. All strains experienced a significant decrease in viability only at higher acetaldehyde concentrations, but differences in viability were evident among the strains. These results support findings obtained from previous work done on ethanol-induced differences among chicken strains by supporting the suggestion that the strain of chicken is important when studying the effects of teratogens on growth and viability. More importantly, the supraphysiological concentrations of acetaldehyde necessary to induce growth suppression seem to indicate that the chicken embryo may not be a viable model of FAS for studying the direct effects of acetaldehyde on embryonic growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Hartl
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State Berks Campus, P O Box 7009, Reading, PA 19610, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Simmons RW, Wass T, Thomas JD, Riley EP. Fractionated Simple and Choice Reaction Time in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2002.tb02686.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
13
|
Maddison P. Acute Rhabdomyolysis and Brachial Plexopathy Following Alcohol Ingestion. Muscle Nerve 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Maddison
- Department of Clinical NeurologyLeeds General InfirmaryGreat George StreetLeedsLS1 3EXUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Heaton MB, Kim DS, Paiva M. Neurotrophic factor protection against ethanol toxicity in rat cerebellar granule cell cultures requires phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Neurosci Lett 2000; 291:121-5. [PMID: 10978589 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(00)01398-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal rat cerebellar granule cells were used to assess the possible role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) signaling pathway in the neuroprotective effects of neurotrophic factors against ethanol toxicity. Culture conditions included medium with ethanol (400 and 600 mg/dl), nerve growth factor (NGF) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ethanol+NGF or BDNF, the PI3-K inhibitor wortmannin (10 or 100 microM), and wortmannin+ethanol+NGF or BDNF. Neuronal survival was determined via the MTT assay. The results indicated that both NGF and BDNF ameliorate ethanol neurotoxicity, and wortmannin abolished this effect, except at the higher ethanol concentration combined with the lower wortmannin level. These data strongly implicate the PI3-K pathway in growth factor protection against ethanol neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Heaton
- University of Florida Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Centre for Alcohol Research, Box 100244, FL, 32610-0244, Gainesville, USA. heaton.ufbi.ufl.edu
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Thomas JD, La Fiette MH, Quinn VR, Riley EP. Neonatal choline supplementation ameliorates the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on a discrimination learning task in rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2000; 22:703-11. [PMID: 11106863 DOI: 10.1016/s0892-0362(00)00097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure can disrupt brain development and lead to a myriad of behavioral alterations, including motor coordination deficits, hyperactivity, and learning deficits. There remains a need, however, to identify treatments and interventions for reducing the severity of alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Some of the alcohol-induced deficits in learning may be related to alterations in cholinergic functioning. Interestingly, there is a growing literature demonstrating that pre- and/or early postnatal choline supplementation can lead to long-term enhancement in learning and memory and cholinergic activity in rats. The present study examined whether such early choline supplementation might counter the effects of prenatal alcohol treatment on a visuospatial discrimination task. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three prenatal treatment groups. One group received a liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories (EDC) from gestational day (GD) 6-20. A second group served as a pair-fed (PF) control group and the third group served as an ad lib lab chow (LC) control. On postnatal day (PD) 2, pups were assigned within-litter to one of three postnatal treatments: choline, saline vehicle, or no treatment. Choline and vehicle pups were intubated with a choline chloride solution or vehicle daily from PD 2 to 21, whereas the non-treated pups were handled daily but not intubated. On PD 45, subjects were tested on a visuospatial discrimination task. Ethanol-exposed subjects who were not treated neonatally with choline committed a significantly greater number of errors both during acquisition and during delayed discrimination training compared to both PF and LC controls. Neonatal choline treatment significantly improved performance on the discrimination task in all groups; however, the beneficial effects of choline were significantly larger in ethanol-exposed subjects. Indeed, the performance of ethanol-exposed pups treated with neonatal choline did not differ from any of the PF or LC groups on any measure. Thus, early postnatal choline supplementation significantly attenuated the effects of prenatal alcohol on this learning task. Importantly, these effects were not due to the acute effects of choline, but rather to long-term changes in brain and behavioral development. These data suggest that early dietary interventions may reduce the severity of fetal alcohol effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Thomas
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, Suite 209, 6363 Alvarado Ct., San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Heaton MB, Mitchell JJ, Paiva M, Walker DW. Ethanol-induced alterations in the expression of neurotrophic factors in the developing rat central nervous system. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2000; 121:97-107. [PMID: 10837897 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-3806(00)00032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal rats were exposed to ethanol throughout gestation, or during the early postnatal period (postnatal days 4-10 (P4-10)), and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays were subsequently conducted in order to assess nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) protein content in hippocampus, septum, cortex/striatum and cerebellum. These determinations revealed that following prenatal ethanol treatment, there were significant ethanol-induced increases in NGF in P1 cortex/striatum, but no changes in any of the three neurotrophic factors (NTFs) in the other brain regions. Cortex/striatal NGF protein returned to control levels by P10. Following early postnatal exposure, BDNF was elevated in hippocampus and cortex/striatum (assessed on P10), and NGF was also enhanced in cortex/striatum at this age. Hippocampal and cortex/striatal BDNF returned to control levels by P21, but cortex/striatal NGF levels remained enhanced at this age. This NTF did not differ in ethanol and control animals by P60, however. The possible significance of elevated levels of NTFs as a function of ethanol exposure is discussed, and it is speculated that while such alterations could play a protective role, increases in these substances during critical developmental periods could also prove to be deleterious, and could even contribute to certain of the neuropathologies which have been observed following developmental ethanol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Heaton
- University of Florida Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Alcohol Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Box 100244, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Heaton MB, Mitchell JJ, Paiva M. Amelioration of Ethanol-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Neonatal Rat Central Nervous System by Antioxidant Therapy. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2000.tb02019.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
18
|
Heaton MB, Mitchell JJ, Paiva M. Overexpression of NGF ameliorates ethanol neurotoxicity in the developing cerebellum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1097-4695(20001105)45:2<95::aid-neu4>3.0.co;2-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
19
|
Bradley DM, Beaman FD, Moore DB, Kidd K, Heaton MB. Neurotrophic factors BDNF and GDNF protect embryonic chick spinal cord motoneurons from ethanol neurotoxicity in vivo. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 1999; 112:99-106. [PMID: 9974163 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-3806(98)00155-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal consumption of ethanol is widely recognized as a leading cause of mental and physical deficits. Many populations of the central nervous system are affected by the teratogenic effects of ethanol. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) have been shown to protect against ethanol neurotoxicity in culture, although there have been no demonstrations of such protection in vivo, in specific neuronal populations. Previous studies have demonstrated that ethanol is toxic to developing chick embryo motoneurons when administered from embryonic day 10 (E10) to E15. NTFs such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) have been shown to support developing spinal cord motoneurons, and when exogenously applied, decrease naturally occurring cell death, and protect against axotomy. The concurrent delivery of BDNF or GDNF with ethanol to the embryonic chick from E10 to E15 was designed to examine the capacity of these NTFs to provide in vivo neuroprotection for this ethanol-sensitive motoneuron population. Analysis of motoneuron numbers indicated that both BDNF and GDNF provided protection to developing spinal cord motoneurons from ethanol toxicity, restoring motoneuron numbers to control levels. This study represents the first demonstration of in vivo neuroprotection from ethanol toxicity with respect to specific neuronal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D M Bradley
- University of Florida Brain Institute, Gainesville 32610-0244, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Affiliation(s)
- G Tsai
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass., USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Breen KC, Coughlan CM, Hayes FD. The role of glycoproteins in neural development function, and disease. Mol Neurobiol 1998; 16:163-220. [PMID: 9588627 DOI: 10.1007/bf02740643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycoproteins play key roles in the development, structuring, and subsequent functioning of the nervous system. However, the complex glycosylation process is a critical component in the biosynthesis of CNS glycoproteins that may be susceptible to the actions of toxicological agents or may be altered by genetic defects. This review will provide an outline of the complexity of this glycosylation process and of some of the key neural glycoproteins that play particular roles in neural development and in synaptic plasticity in the mature CNS. Finally, the potential of glycoproteins as targets for CNS disorders will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C Breen
- Neurosciences Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Medical School, Scotland, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Schneider ML, Roughton EC, Lubach GR. Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Psychological Stress during Pregnancy Induce Attention and Neuromotor Impairments in Primate Infants. Child Dev 1997; 68:747-759. [PMID: 29106730 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.1997.tb01959.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of moderate alcohol and/or psychological stress during prenancy on off-spring growth and behavior in 33 rhesus monkey infants (Macaca mulatta). Infants were derived from 1 of 3 groups of female: (1) alcohol-consuming,0.6g/Kg, Daily throughou gestation (equivalet, to 1-2 drinks), beginning 5 day prior to breeding;(2) alcohol-consuming (as above) and exposed to mild psychological stress(removal from home cage and exposed to 3 random noise bursts); (3) sucrose-consuming, equivolemic, and equicaloric to the alcohol solution.Beginning on day 4 postpartum, intantrs underwent brief weekly separations from their mother for assessment of growth, behavior, and facial dimensions. Results indicated that moderate alcohol consumption throughout pregnancy was sufficient to affect attention and neuromotor functioning, even though the infants were normol in birthweight, gestational length, and facial dimensions, Moreover, alcohol-induced neuromotor impairments were exacerbated by maternal exposure to psychological stress, and males from the alcohol/stress condition had reduced birthweights. Finally, although all females consuming alcohol produced viable offspring, alcohol accompanie by stress during gestation resulted in 23% fetal losses (abortion and stillbirths).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 2175 Medical Scince Center, 1300 Universit Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1532The University of Wisconsin at Madison
| | - Elizabeth C Roughton
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 2175 Medical Scince Center, 1300 Universit Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1532The University of Wisconsin at Madison
| | - Gabriele R Lubach
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 2175 Medical Scince Center, 1300 Universit Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1532The University of Wisconsin at Madison
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bradley DM, Beaman FD, Moore DB, Heaton MB. Ethanol influences on the chick embryo spinal cord motor system. II. Effects of neuromuscular blockade and period of exposure. JOURNAL OF NEUROBIOLOGY 1997; 32:684-94. [PMID: 9183746 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4695(19970620)32:7<684::aid-neu4>3.0.co;2-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The study described below was performed as a continuation of a previous study in which we found reduced motoneuron number in lumbar spinal cord of the chick embryo following chronic ethanol administration from embryonic day 4 (E4) to E11. We sought to determine whether this reduction was due to primary ethanol toxicity or to enhancement of naturally occurring cell death (NOCD) and to determine whether administration of ethanol at a later period of development could also reduce motoneuron number. Earlier studies have shown that curare suspends NOCD in the chick embryo. By administering both ethanol and curare to these embryos from E4 to E11 and examining the lumbar spinal cord on E12, we determined that ethanol was directly toxic to motoneurons and reduced motoneuron number in the absence of NOCD. By administering ethanol from E10 to E15 and examining the lumbar spinal cord on E16, we determined that ethanol can reduce motoneuron number without altering spinal cord length during more than one stage of chick embryo development, and that ethanol toxicity is not dependent on NOCD. In addition, we demonstrated that ethanol does not affect the neurotrophic content of chick muscle when it is administered from E10 to E15.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D M Bradley
- University of Florida Brain Institute, Gainesville 32610-0244, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Prenatal exposure of human brain to ethanol impairs neuronal migration and differentiation and causes mental retardation. The present results indicate that the adverse effects of ethanol on brain development may be partly due to the ethanol-induced disturbance of neuronal interaction with laminin, a protein involved in neuronal migration and axon guidance. This report shows that physiological concentrations (IC50 = 28 mM) of ethanol inhibit neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration of the rat cerebellar granule neurons on a laminin substratum. The ethanol-treated granule neurons undergo apoptosis, degrade their laminin substratum, and appear to release and bind increased amounts of the B2-chain-derived peptides along their surfaces. A protease inhibitor aprotinin, and the NMDA receptor channel, and voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist MK801 partially protect cerebellar granule neurons from ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. These results imply that ethanol-treated granule neurons resemble the granule neurons of the homozygous weaver mouse cerebellum with respect to their apoptosis, laminin expression, and partial rescue by approtinin and MK-801. Thus, ethanol may influence neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth via molecular pathways similar to those involved in neuronal death in other neurodegenerative processes of the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Liesi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mendelson B, Driskill A. Ethanol exposure alters the development of serotonergic neurons in chick spinal cord. Alcohol 1996; 13:431-41. [PMID: 8888938 DOI: 10.1016/0741-8329(96)00028-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ethanol is known to alter the development of the serotonergic system. However, previous studies have examined large populations of cells and have not determined the effects of ethanol on individual serotonergic neurons. In the present study, the effects of various concentrations of ethanol on the development of single serotonergic neurons in the chick embryo spinal cord were determined using immunohistochemical techniques. Between embryonic day 7 (E7) and E14, ethanol administrations produced in ovo alcohol concentrations of: a) low dose, 30-60 mg/dl, b) medium dose, 150-200 mg/dl or c) high dose, 240-300 mg/dl. In animals exposed to the medium and high ethanol doses, the normal developmental increase in cross-sectional area of the somata was not observed. At all stages examined, the numbers of primary and nonprimary processes were significantly lower in ethanol-treated groups compared to controls. These data indicate that ethanol exposure induces dose-dependent alterations in the development of identified spinal cord neurons. The ethanol-induced changes may be involved in the motor dysfunction observed after embryonic ethanol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Mendelson
- Department of Anatomy (Slot 510), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205-7199, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Heaton MB, Swanson DJ, Paiva M, Walker DW. Influence of prenatal ethanol exposure on cholinergic development in the rat striatum. J Comp Neurol 1996; 364:113-20. [PMID: 8789280 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(19960101)364:1<113::aid-cne10>3.0.co;2-#] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of ethanol exposure throughout gestation on cholinergic development within the rat striatal region. Pregnant Long-Evans rats were maintained on three diets throughout gestation: A liquid diet in which ethanol accounted for 35-39% of the total calories, a similar diet with the isocaloric substitution of sucrose for ethanol, and a lab chow control diet. At postnatal days 14 and 60 (P14 and P60), the striatal regions of the offspring were analyzed for the number of cholinergic neurons, via choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunostaining. The area of the striatum was also measured in these animals. At P14, P21, and P60, ChAT activity was assessed in the same region. These analyses revealed a significant increase in the number of cholinergic striatal neurons at P14 in the animals which had been exposed prenatally to ethanol. This increase was transient, however, with equal numbers of ChAT-positive cells found in all three groups by adulthood (P60). The brain weights of the ethanol-exposed animals were significantly reduced at P14 and P21, but were comparable to controls by P60. There were no significant differences in the striatal area or the overall volume of the region assessed, however, at either P14 or P60. Although there were some increases in ChAT activity across the ages viewed (most notably between P14 and P21), there were no effects of diet on ChAT activity at any age assessed. It is proposed that the increased numbers of cholinergic neurons could be a function of errors in migration, enhanced neurogenesis, diminished cell death, alterations in gene expression, or increased cell survival as a result of alterations in neurotrophic factor production or availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Heaton
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida Brain Institute, Gainesville 32610-0244, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Heaton MB, Carlin M, Paiva M, Walker DW. Perturbation of target-directed neurite outgrowth in embryonic CNS co-cultures grown in the presence of ethanol. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 1995; 89:270-80. [PMID: 8612330 DOI: 10.1016/0165-3806(95)00131-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Studies were conducted to determine the influence of ethanol on target-directed fiber outgrowth in culture, using embryonic chick spinal cord-muscle, and fetal rat septal-hippocampal co-cultured explants. Process extension from the spinal cord and septal explants in control cultures was selectively oriented toward the appropriate target tissue. Ethanol in the culture medium (500 mg/dl) eliminated this target-oriented outgrowth in both systems, although the overall extent of neurite outgrowth was not affected. In an effort to further characterize the source of this disruption, target explants were grown alone, with and without ethanol, and the target-conditioned culture media was subsequently harvested and placed on newly plated spinal cord or septal explants, to determine whether ethanol decreased the target production of soluble substances. To determine whether deposition of substrate-bound materials by the target tissue was affected by ethanol, spinal cord or septal explants were plated in wells which had previously been occupied by the appropriate target tissue. These studies revealed that ethanol significantly inhibited production of soluble and substrate-bound materials by muscle explants, but not by hippocampal explants. It was concluded that the ethanol-induced loss of target-directed neurite outgrowth in the spinal cord explants could be accounted for primarily by the attenuated production of neurotropic/neurotropic substances by the muscle tissue. The loss of target-directionality in the septal explants appeared to be due to other factors, possibly related to ethanol-induced compromise of the capacity of the septal neurons to respond appropriately to target-derived neurotrophic/neurotropic substances. The implications of these results for the fetal alcohol syndrome are considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Heaton
- University of Florida Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurobiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Medicine, DVA Medical Center, Gainesville 32610-0244, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bradley DM, Paiva M, Tonjes LA, Heaton MB. In vitro comparison of the effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde on dorsal root ganglion neurons. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1995; 19:1345-50. [PMID: 8561313 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1995.tb01623.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Results of previous experiments designed to investigate the role of acetaldehyde, the primary metabolite of ethanol, have been contradictory. Experiments have provided evidence that supports and refutes the idea that acetaldehyde is responsible for the teratogenic effects observed in fetal alcohol syndrome. In the present study, cell culture techniques were used to examine the effects of acetaldehyde, both independently and in conjunction with ethanol. The purpose was to determine whether acetaldehyde had any effect on survival and process outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons cultured in vitro. This study revealed that acetaldehyde was as toxic to DRG survival as is ethanol, but had a lesser effect on neurite outgrowth than ethanol. Also, acetaldehyde and ethanol do not act synergistically to damage neurons in culture. The results indicate that, although acetaldehyde is probably not solely responsible for ethanol neurotoxicity, it does exhibit a secondary toxicity that could be the subject of future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D M Bradley
- University of Florida Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0244, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Heaton MB, Paiva M, Swanson DJ, Walker DW. Prenatal ethanol exposure alters neurotrophic activity in the developing rat hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 1995; 188:132-6. [PMID: 7792057 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(95)11400-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Extract made from hippocampus of rat pups exposed prenatally to an ethanol-supplemented diet was found to contain more neurotrophic activity at postnatal day 21 than that from animals exposed to control diets, when quantified in a dorsal root ganglion bioassay. This apparent upregulation was specific to hippocampal extract (cerebellar and forebrain/midbrain extracts were also assessed), and to this age (P1, P7, P14 and P60 extracts were also tested). It was suggested that this upregulation may be indicative of, or secondary to, trauma resulting from fetal ethanol exposure. It is speculated that such departures from the normal developmental timetable could contribute to anomalies seen in the fetal alcohol syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M B Heaton
- University of Florida Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0244, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|