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Preferential alcoholic embryopathy: effects of liquid diets
R F Mankes1, A H Battles, R LeFevre
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Albany Medical College, NY 12208.
Laboratory Animal Science
|December 1, 1992
Summary
This study investigated the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy in rats, finding that the Sustacal diet led to higher blood alcohol levels and calorie deprivation, impacting fetal development. Further research is needed to understand the full implications for male offspring.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Previous research suggested preferential expression of experimental alcoholic embryopathy in male offspring of rats exposed to alcohol.
- The prior study utilized gavage administration without controlling for isocaloric, pair-fed conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different liquid diets on alcohol exposure and maternal/fetal outcomes in pregnant Long-Evans rats.
- To compare the effects of Sustacal-based and Lieber-DeCarli (L&D) liquid diets with varying ethanol-derived calories (EDC) during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant rats received 35% EDC in Sustacal or L&D liquid diets from day 6-15 of gestation.
- Pair-fed control groups received isocaloric diets with 0% EDC (sucrose for Sustacal, maltose-dextrin for L&D).
- A free-fed control group consumed a standard laboratory rodent diet.
Main Results:
- Sustacal-fed rats (both 0% and 35% EDC) exhibited significantly lower caloric intake and body weights throughout gestation.
- Rats consuming 35% EDC in Sustacal diet achieved higher blood alcohol levels (>150 mg/dl) compared to those on L&D diets (100 mg/dl).
- Sustacal-fed pregnant rats experienced significant calorie deprivation.
Conclusions:
- The choice of liquid diet significantly influences caloric intake, body weight, and blood alcohol levels during maternal alcohol exposure.
- The Sustacal diet, when used for alcohol administration, induces greater calorie deprivation and higher blood alcohol concentrations in pregnant rats.
- These findings highlight the importance of controlled nutritional paradigms in studying alcohol's effects on pregnancy and fetal development.