NMDA in adult mouse brain: Mechanism of learning deficits prevention after prenatal alcohol exposure

Chronic alcohol consumption causes cognitive impairments accompanying with white matter atrophy. Recent evidence has shown that myelin dynamics remain active and are important for brain functions in adulthood. For example, new myelin generation is required for learning and memory functions. However, it remains undetermined whether alcohol exposure can alter myelin dynamics in adulthood. In this study, we examine the effect of chronic alcohol exposure on myelin dynamics by using genetic approaches to label newly generated myelin (NG2-CreERt; mT/mG). Our results indicated that alcohol exposure (either 5% or 10% in drinking water) for 3 weeks remarkably reduced mGFP + /NG2- new myelin and mGFP + /CC1 + new oligodendrocytes in the prefrontal cortex and corpus callosum of 6-month-old NG2-CreERt; mT/mG mice as compared to controls without changing the mGFP + /NG2 + oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) density, suggesting that alcohol exposure may inhibit oligodendrocyte differentiation. In support with these findings, the alcohol exposure did not significantly alter apoptotic cell number or overall MBP expression in the brains. Further, the alcohol exposure decreased the histone deacetylase1 (HDAC1) expression in mGFP + /NG2 + OPCs, implying epigenetic mechanisms were involved in the arrested OPC differentiation. Together, our results indicate that chronic exposure to alcohol can inhibit myelinogenesis in the adult mouse brain and that may contribute to alcohol-related cognitive impairments.

Download Full-text

Complex Trauma and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Clinical Implications

Perspectives on School-Based Issues ◽

10.1044/sbi13.2.32 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 32-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Yvette D. Hyter

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Child Development ◽

Academic Outcomes ◽

Complex Trauma ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Prenatal Alcohol ◽

The Brain

Abstract Complex trauma resulting from chronic maltreatment and prenatal alcohol exposure can significantly affect child development and academic outcomes. Children with histories of maltreatment and those with prenatal alcohol exposure exhibit remarkably similar central nervous system impairments. In this article, I will review the effects of each on the brain and discuss clinical implications for these populations of children.

Download Full-text

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Tied to Conduct Problems

Ob Gyn News ◽

10.1016/s0029-7437(07)71051-0 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 10

Author(s):

MARY ANN MOON

Keyword(s):

Conduct Problems ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

Download Full-text

Prenatal alcohol exposure and signs of minor neurological dysfunction at preschool age

Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology ◽

10.1017/s0012162200000979 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 42 (8) ◽

pp. 508-514 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Béatrice Larroque ◽

Monique Kaminski ◽

Phillipe Dehaene ◽

Damien Subtil ◽

Denis Querleu

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Neurological Dysfunction ◽

Minor Neurological Dysfunction ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

Download Full-text

Impact of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Problem Behaviors in Preschool and School Children

Zeitschrift für Entwicklungspsychologie und Pädagogische Psychologie ◽

10.1026/0049-8637/a000106 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 89-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Manuela Pfinder ◽

Stefan Liebig ◽

Reinhold Feldmann

Keyword(s):

Problem Behaviors ◽

Tobacco Smoke ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Smoke Exposure ◽

Low Ses ◽

German Health ◽

Kiggs Study ◽

Strengths And Difficulties ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

Data on the relation between moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and behavioral disorders are inconsistent, and this raises new questions. We examined (1) the association between moderate PAE and problem behaviors and (2) whether these associations differed by levels of socioeconomic status (SES), fetal smoke exposure, or exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Data were taken from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Parents evaluated children’s behaviors using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results showed a slight, but insignificant, increase of problem behaviors in children with moderate PAE. In 3- to 6-year-olds, PAE had a stronger effect on hyperactivity/inattention in combination with fetal smoke exposure (odds ratio = 2.82), than did PAE alone. Effects were not stronger in low-SES children, but they were stronger in children with ETS. We conclude that moderate PAE might have adverse effects on neurodevelopment, with stronger effects in disadvantaged populations. To confirm our preliminary findings, further research should be conducted.

Download Full-text