Endocrinology, Vol 111, 1109-1114, Copyright © 1982 by Endocrine Society
Alcohol-induced inhibition of fetal 25-[3H]hydroxyvitamin D and alpha- [14C]aminoisobutyric acid accumulation in the pregnant rat
DT Baran
Since placental nutrient transport plays a vital role in the development of
the fetus, we have evaluated the effect of alcohol ingestion during
pregnancy on placental and fetal accumulation of 25- [3H]hydroxyvitamin D
and alpha-[14C]aminoisobutyric acid. Pregnant rats were allowed to ingest
rat chow ad libitum and were given 20% ethanol in their drinking water from
days 6-19 of pregnancy. Ethanol constituted 51% of the caloric intake and
resulted in circulating levels of 97 +/- 27 mg/dl. Control rats were pair
fed with rat chow, and dextrimaltose was isocalorically substituted for
ethanol in the drinking water. Despite pair feeding, alcohol ingestion
resulted in decreased maternal and fetal weight gain but increased
placental weight gain. Alcohol decreased the fetal accumulation of
25-[3H]hydroxyvitamin D. The transfer ratio of disintegrations per min/g
fetal weight to disintegrations per min/g placental weight was lower in the
alcohol- exposed animals, whereas the transfer ratio of disintegrations per
min/g placental weight to disintegrations per min/ml serum was not altered.
Fetal levels of alpha-[14C]aminoisobutyric acid were also decreased. The
transfer ratio of disintegrations per min/g fetal weight to disintegrations
per min/g placental weight was greater in the alcohol-exposed animals,
whereas the transfer ratio of disintegrations per min/g placental weight to
disintegrations per min/ml serum was not altered. The data indicate that
maternal alcohol ingestion during pregnancy may affect fetal nutrient
accumulation by alterations in both maternal metabolism and direct effects
on placental function.
