Teratogenic interaction of ethanol and hyperthermia in mice

Alcohol and maternal hyperthermia have been implicated in human birth defects. Both ethanol and heat can induce neural tube defects (NTDs) and other developmental abnormalities in mice when large doses are given during pregnancy. To explore the teratogenic interaction of both agents, pregnant ICR mice were injected with a single dose of 25% ethanol and/or were heat-stressed in a water bath at 42 degrees C on the morning of Day 8 of gestation. Combined treatment with ethanol (0.01-0.02 ml/g) and heat (10 min), when they were given concurrently or 1 hr apart, resulted in a significant increase of resorptions and externally malformed fetuses. Skeletal malformations and visceral variations also increased significantly following a concurrent exposure to both agents. These results indicate that ethanol and heat can be synergistically teratogenic in mice when the doses of each agent are below the teratogenic threshold. It was also suggested that pretreatment with a small dose of ethanol may not enhance the teratogenicity of heat when the hyperthermic stress is strong enough and teratogenic by itself.