Neurodegeneration in Superior Colliculus of Neonatal Rats Exposed to Ethanol In Utero

Abstract

Alcohol has been established as a leading cause of developmental errors and, in man, alcohol consumption can interfere with vision. This study was carried out, therefore, to determine whether prenatal ethanol exposure can affect the histoarchitecture of the intracranial visual relay centres in neonatal rats. Twenty pregnant rats were randomised into two groups. Animals in Group A were allowed liberal access to 20% ethanol in 2% sucrose solution throughout their gestation period while Group B rats received distilled water instead. Litters were scarified on days 0, 4, and 7 post parturition and the superior colliculi were recovered, fixed in 10% formol calcium, and processed for routine H&E and Nissl stains. Photomicrographs obtained revealed histological alterations in the superior colliculi and in the staining intensity of the nuclear materials and Nissl bodies. This study provides evidence that suggest that prenatal ethanol exposure causes neurodegeration in the visual relay centres of neonatal rat.