Effect of ethanol on prenatal developments of rats
Kawashima, K.; Tanaka, S.; Nakaura, S.; Takanaka, A.; Omori, Y.
Eisei Shikenjo Hokoku. Bulletin of National Institute of Hygienic Sciences 1985(103): 10-14
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0077-4715 PMID: 3830287 Document Number: 250688
Ethanol was given to pregnant rats by oral intubation during days 7 to 17 of gestation at dose levels of 0, 2.7, 4 and 6 g/kg, and its teratogenic effect was examined in the fetuses. Significant suppressions in maternal food consumption were observed in all ethanol-treated groups and in maternal body weight gain in the 6 g/kg group. Moreover, a significant decrease in fetal body weight was observed in the 6 g/kg group. There was no evidence of an increase in fetal death or of gross malformation attributable to the treatment with ethanol in any of the ethanol-treated groups examined. However, high incidences of skeletal malformation and internal organ anomalies were observed in ethanol-treated groups. Skeletal malformations included lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis and scoliolordosis, and internal organ anomalies included dilatation of the renal pelvis. It was concluded that ethanol has a teratogenic effect in the rat.