Changes in the term mouse placenta associated with maternal alcohol consumption and fetal growth deficits

Primiparous mice were fed alcohol in their drinking water as 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% (v/v) solutions on days 11 through 18 of gestation. Based on blood alcohol levels and on locomotor and health impairments, these treatment groups represent situations of mild, moderate, and severe alcohol abuse. There were significant alcohol-related fetal growth deficits but no increase in fetal mortality or malformation. Placental weight was reduced with increasing alcohol intake. Histologic examination of the placenta revealed an increase in the frequency and severity of intravascular coagulation of maternal erythrocytes in the labyrinth and advanced degenerative changes in the basal zone of alcohol-exposed placentas. These observations suggest that both the vascular and the endocrine functions of the placenta are compromised in alcohol-consuming dams.