Synaptic changes in the rat cerebellum following pre- and postnatal alcohol exposure

The synapses in the cerebellar vermis molecular layer of 6 week old rats treated with small amounts of ethanol (9 g/kg daily) during pre- and postnatal development were examined. Quantitative analysis was made using a digitizer interfaced to a computer. Some relative and absolute (volume) parameters for synapses were calculated using respective computer programs. The results showed a decreased synaptic density as well as qualitative and quantitative changes in the pre- and postsynaptic elements. The possibility that some changes are compensatory reactions to the decreased synaptic input to the Purkinje cells following prolonged alcohol exposure is discussed.