SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM ETHANOL ADMINISTRATION INHIBITS THE PLACENTAL UPTAKE AND TRANSPORT OF VALINE IN RATS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 98  (2) , 251-262
Abstract
Ethanol ingestion during pregnancy causes a pattern of fetal/neonatal dysfunction called the FAS [fetal alcohol syndrome]. The effects of short- and long-term ethanol ingestion on placental uptake and maternal-fetal transfer of Val were studied in rats. In vivo placental and fetal uptake were estimated after injection of 0.04 .mu.mol 14C-Val i.v. on day 20 of gestation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Short-term ethanol ingestion (4 gm/kg) caused a significant reduction in placental uptake of 14C-Val by 33, 60, 30 and 31% at 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 min after Val administration, respectively (P < 0.01) and a similar significant reduction occurred in fetal uptake of 14C-Val (P < 0.01). Long-term ethanol ingestion prior to and throughout gestation resulted in a 47% reduction in placental Val uptake (P < 0.01) and a 46% reduction in fetal Val uptake (P < 0.01). Long-term ethanol feeding from day 4-20 of gestation caused a 32% reduction in placental Val uptake (P < 0.01) and a 26% reduction in fetal Val uptake (P < 0.01). Short- and long-term ingestion of ethanol inhibited placental uptake and maternal-fetal transfer of an essential amino acid, Val. An alteration of placental function may contribute to the pathogenesis of FAS.