The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Alcohol exposure during the first two trimesters-equivalent alters the development of corpus callosum projection neurons in the rat

“…Animals in the 6.0g EtOH group showed no relationship between CCpn number and age, suggesting that high-dose prenatal alcohol exposure limits the migration of cells into the cortex to become CCpn, and/or limits the ability of cortical cells destined to become CCpn to extend axonal processes to the midline and hence become labeled with the DiI. The latter explanation would account for reduced CC size in cases of heavy prenatal alcohol consumption that has been observed in humans (Clarren, 1986;Mattson et al, 1992;Mattson et al, 1994;Riley et al, 1995). Previous behavioural and physiological studies have shown that the CC connections must be there during critical time periods for visual development in order to establish normal visual functions (Elberger, 1979;1980;1982;1984a;1988;1990;Elberger and Smith, 1985;Timney et al, 1985).…”

“…In addition to providing interhemispheric communication, it also plays a critical role in the development of the visual system (Elberger 1993;1994a;. Children exposed to alcohol prenatally have been shown to have defects in the gross morphology of the CC, including a reduction in size (Clarren, 1986;Mattson et al, 1992;Mattson et al, 1994;Riley et al, 1995) or complete absence (Jones and Smith, 1975;Peiffer et al, 1979;Wisniewski et al, 1983;Jeret et al, 1987;Mattson et al, 1992;Riley et al, 1995). Fetal alcohol exposure has also been linked to a myriad of visual system deficits, including reduced visual acuity, nearsightedness, eye misalignment and optic nerve hypoplasia, (Pinazo-Duran et al, 1997;Stromland and Pinazo-Duran 2002;Stromland, 2004), suggesting a possible role for the CC in these defects.…”

Neurobehavioural outcomes of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A Canadian perspective

“…weight and/or height; facial features that may include short palpebral fissures, smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, flat midface and short nose; and evidence of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction (7,8), as evidenced by microcephaly, cognitive deficits, learning problems, attentional difficulties, hyperactivity and/or motor problems (9). The term fetal alcohol effect (FAE) has been used to describe individuals who do not have all the characteristics of FAS, particularly the absence of some or all facial features and/or lack of growth deficiency, but have had PAE and some CNS dysfunction (7).…”

“…The term fetal alcohol effect (FAE) has been used to describe individuals who do not have all the characteristics of FAS, particularly the absence of some or all facial features and/or lack of growth deficiency, but have had PAE and some CNS dysfunction (7). Other terms referring to those with PAE who do not meet the full criteria for FAS include alcoholrelated neurodevelopmental disorder, alcohol-related birth defects and partial FAS.…”

Effect of Maternal Alcohol Consumption on Epididymal Growth in Neonatal Mice

“…The effects of maternal alcohol intake on the growth and development of some parts of the body in both human and experimental animals have been reported (Lee and Leichter, 1980;Ihemelandu, 1984;Clarren et al, 1985;Piqueras-Renau et al, 1987;Nwaogu and Ihemelandu, 1999a, b). In the reproductive system, reduced growth have been reported on the testes (Onu and Ezeasor, 2001;Onu et al, 2002a, b;Fakoya and Caxton-Martins, 2004) and on the penis (Onu et al, 2004).…”