[Enkephalin content in sections of the brain of rats undergoing intrauterine exposures to ethanol]

Leu- and met-enkephalin concentration in the brain structures of rat offsprings prenatally exposed to ethanol (4-5 g/kg) was investigated by radioimmunoassay. Regional and sex differences in enkephalin levels of the investigated brain structures have been shown. In experimental animals that had been exposed to ethanol leu- and met-enkephalin concentration in the hemispheric cortex and hippocump was similar to that in the controls, while in the pituitary body it was significantly decreased. The mechanisms of ethanol effect on endogenous opioid system in the developing brain are discussed.