Abstract
Alcohol exposure in utero causes mental retardation in humans. This paper reviews animal studies of alcohol exposure during both pre-natal and early post-natal periods demonstrating that alcohol disrupts the structural development of the central nervous system. More specifically, the proliferation of neurons has been delayed. Migration patterns are altered in the cerebral cortex where neuronal precursors remain in the deep layers rather than continuing into the more superficial layers. Differentiation of dendritic arborization appears to be suppressed in pyramidal neurons in the cortex and hippocampus and aberrant synaptic connectivity can be observed. The distribution and shape of dendritic spines appear immature at some time periods, although these alterations may recover by adulthood. The changes in the development of the central nervous system are reflected in behavioural dysfunction.
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Notes on contributors
J.R. West
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.