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Related Experiment Videos

Ethanol-induced apoptosis in the developing visual system during synaptogenesis.

Tatyana Tenkova1, Chainllie Young, Krikor Dikranian

  • 1Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|June 26, 2003
PubMed
Summary

A single ethanol intoxication during synaptogenesis causes widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing visual system. This affects neurons from the retina to the visual cortex, highlighting ethanol

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Ethanol exposure during pregnancy is known to cause fetal alcohol syndrome, impacting the developing nervous system.
  • Previous research indicated ethanol triggers apoptotic neurodegeneration in specific brain regions during synaptogenesis.
  • The vulnerability of the developing visual system to ethanol's apoptogenic effects remained largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the susceptibility of the developing visual system to ethanol-induced apoptosis.
  • To determine the extent of neuronal cell death in visual pathways following ethanol exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Infant rats and mice (0-21 days old) received single or double doses of ethanol.
  • Blood alcohol levels were monitored.

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  • Retinas and visual brain centers were examined using light and electron microscopy.

    • Main Results:

    • Retinal ganglion cells and neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus, superior colliculus, and visual cortex showed high susceptibility to ethanol.
    • Peak sensitivity occurred from postnatal days 1-4 for ganglion cells and days 4-7 for other visual neurons.
    • A blood alcohol level of approximately 120 mg/dL was sufficient to induce neuronal apoptosis.

    Conclusions:

    • Ethanol intoxication during synaptogenesis triggers apoptotic cell death in neurons across the entire visual system.
    • This includes all levels from the retina to the visual cortex, underscoring the broad impact on visual development.