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Transgenerational effects of binge drinking in a primate model: implications for human health
Catherine A VandeVoort1, Kristin N Grimsrud2, Uros Midic3
1California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, California.
Objective:
To determine if binge ethanol consumption before ovulation affects oocyte quality, gene expression, and subsequent embryo development.
Design:
Binge levels of ethanol were given twice weekly for 6 months, followed by a standard in vitro fertilization cycle and subsequent natural mating.
Setting:
National primate research center.
Animal(S):
Adult female rhesus monkeys.
Intervention(S):
Binge levels of ethanol, given twice weekly for 6 months before a standard in vitro fertilization cycle with or without embryo culture. With in vivo development, ethanol treatment continued until pregnancy was identified.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Oocyte and cumulus/granulosa cell gene expression, embryo development to blastocyst, and pregnancy rate.
Result(S):
Embryo development in vitro was reduced; changes were found in oocyte and cumulus cell gene expression; and spontaneous abortion during very early gestation increased.
Conclusion(S):
This study provides evidence that binge drinking can affect the developmental potential of oocytes even after alcohol consumption has ceased.
