Experimental studies on the influence of male alcoholism on pregnancy and progeny

Chronic alcoholism was induced in male albino rats by an oral self-administration technique. Obvious signs of intoxication, withdrawal symptoms and reduced reproductive performance, as well as decreased serum glucose and serum testosterone levels, were observed in these animals. Notable differences were detected in prenatal mortality, mean litter size and sex ratio between the offspring of male alcoholic rats and the corresponding controls. In the alcohol-treated group the placental index was markedly reduced. However, the mean growth index showed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups.