A Comparison of the Different Animal Models of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Their Use in Studying Complex Behaviors

Abstract

Prenatal ethanol exposure (PNEE) has been linked to widespread impairments in brain structure and function. There are a number of animal models that are used to study the structural and functional deficits caused by PNEE, including, but not limited to invertebrates, fish, rodents, and non-human primates. Animal models enable a researcher to control important variables such as the route of ethanol administration, as well as the timing, frequency and amount of ethanol exposure. Each animal model and system of exposure has its place, depending on the research question being undertaken. In this review, we will examine the different routes of ethanol administration and the various animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) that are commonly used in research, emphasizing their strengths and limitations. We will also present an up-to-date summary on the effects of prenatal/neonatal ethanol exposure on behavior across the lifespan, focusing on learning and memory, olfaction, social, executive, and motor functions. Special emphasis will be placed where the various animal models best represent deficits observed in the human condition and offer a viable test bed to examine potential therapeutics for human beings with FASD.

Radiological studies of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in humans and animal models: An updated comprehensive review

“…Rodents are the most commonly used mammalian models for PAE studies, although nonhuman primates and sheep have also been used [150]. Rodent models offer advantages of lower cost, shorter gestational time (21 days in mice and rats compared to 23 to 26 weeks in nonhuman primates) [90] and ease of handling.…”

“…26 humans requires exposures via lactation and/or directly on the neonates rather than through the placenta [150].…”

“…However, they have long gestation, are more expensive and difficult to handle compared to smaller animals such as rodents [150].…”

“…Rodent models have been most widely used in FASD research, although unlike the sheep and non-human primates with long gestation and all three human-equivalent trimesters occurring in utero [174], in rodents, prenatally ethanol-exposed offspring cannot directly model third-trimester-equivalent alcohol-exposed individuals in humans [150]. In rodent models, in spite of different dosage, timing and duration, some structures appeared to have high susceptible to PAE, including the cerebellum, olfactory bulbs, hippocampus, striatum, corpus callosum, pituitary and septal regions.…”

Fishing for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Zebrafish as a Model for Ethanol Teratogenesis

“…Much has been learned from these other model systems and is reviewed elsewhere. [21][22][23][24] For the purpose of this review, we focus primarily on the contributions of fish systems, particularly zebrafish, to our understanding of FASD.…”