Periconceptional ethanol exposure alters the stress axis in adult female but not male rat offspring

Burgess, D. J.; Dorey, Emily S.; Gardebjer, Emelie M; Bielefeldt‐Ohmann, Helle; Moritz, Karen M.; Cuffe, James

doi:10.1080/10253890.2018.1563068

Cited by 10 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…Prior research also demonstrated a nephron deficit with increased apoptosis and an elevation in blood pressure [ 43 , 45 ]. The observed reduction in potassium levels in PAE rats could be either attributed to these renal problems or a dysfunctional hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, a phenomenon that has been observed both in human and animal participants, or abnormalities in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system [ 36 , 46 , 47 ]. What is more, Hu et al reported an elevated concentration in cholesterol in adult rats that were subjected to ethanol throughout pregnancy, which aligns with the findings of our research, and abnormalities in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis were reported to have an impact on lipid metabolism [ 48 , 49 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiovascular System in Rats in a Sex-Specific Manner

Jurczyk,

Król,

Midro

et al. 2024

Pediatric Reports

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Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) associated with a range of effects, including dysmorphic features, prenatal and/or postnatal growth problems, and neurodevelopmental difficulties. Despite advances in treatment methods, there are still gaps in knowledge that highlight the need for further research. The study investigates the effect of PAE on the autonomic system, including sex differences that may aid in early FASD diagnosis, which is essential for effective interventions. Methods: During gestational days 5 to 20, five pregnant female Wistar rats were orally administered either glucose or ethanol. After 22 days, 26 offspring were born and kept with their mothers for 21 days before being isolated. Electrocardiographic recordings were taken on the 29th and 64th day. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were collected, including heart rate (HR), standard deviation (SD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), and the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD). Additionally, a biochemical analysis of basic serum parameters was performed on day 68 of the study. Results: The study found that PAE had a significant impact on HRV. While electrolyte homeostasis remained mostly unaffected, sex differences were observed across various parameters in both control and PAE groups, highlighting the sex-specific effects of PAE. Specifically, the PAE group had lower mean heart rates, particularly among females, and higher SDNN and RMSSD values. Additionally, there was a shift towards parasympathetic activity and a reduction in heart rate entropy in the PAE group. Biochemical changes induced by PAE were also observed, including elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), especially in males, increased creatinine concentration in females, and alterations in lipid metabolism. Conclusions: PAE negatively affects the development of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in decreased heart rate and altered sympathetic activity. PAE also induces cardiovascular abnormalities with sex-specific effects, highlighting a relationship between PAE consequences and sex. Elevated liver enzymes in the PAE group may indicate direct toxic effects, while increased creatinine levels, particularly in females, may suggest an influence on nephrogenesis and vascular function. The reduced potassium content may be linked to hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis overactivity.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiovascular System in Rats in a Sex-Specific Manner

Jurczyk,

Król,

Midro

et al. 2024

Pediatric Reports

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“…Of particular note, even periconceptional exposure to alcohol has been shown to trigger a sexually dimorphic alteration in HPA function in rats. Specifically, in a study conducted by Burgess et al , female rat progeny exposed to periconceptional alcohol demonstrated significant decreases in basal corticosterone levels, as well as significant increases in levels of hippocampal GR gene expression . A separate study by Lucia et al investigating a similar paradigm found subtle increases in anxiety‐like behaviour and short‐term spatial memory impairment in female rat progeny exposed to periconceptional alcohol .…”

Section: Prenatal Exposure To Select Drugs Of Abuse Leads To Altered mentioning

confidence: 97%

Prenatal drug exposure and neurodevelopmental programming of glucocorticoid signalling

Franks

Berry

DeFranco

2019

J Neuroendocrinology

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Prenatal neurodevelopment is dependent on precise functioning of multiple signalling pathways in the brain, including those mobilised by glucocorticoids (GC) and endocannabinoids (eCBs). Prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine and cannabis, has been shown to not only impact GC signalling, but also alter functioning of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Such exposures can have long‐lasting neurobehavioural consequences, including alterations in the stress response in the offspring. Furthermore, cannabis contains cannabinoids that signal via the eCB pathway, which is linked to some components of GC signalling in the adult brain. Given that GCs are frequently used in pregnancy to prevent complications of prematurity, and also that rates of cannabis use in pregnancy are increasing, the likelihood of foetal co‐exposure to these compounds is high and may have additional implications for long‐term neurodevelopment. Here, we present a discussion of GC signalling and the HPA axis, as well as the effects of prenatal drug exposure on these pathways and the stress response, and we explore the interactions between GC and EC signalling in the developing brain and potential for neurodevelopmental consequences.

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“…This group investigated HPA outcomes following prenatal exposure to moderate-to high-dose alcohol (6.37% v/v BAL ranging from E7 to E20, BAL of 176.6 ± 15.5 to 192.2 ± 1139.4 mg/dl) with offspring displaying elevated basal corticosterone and adrenocorticotropin hormone and HPA hyperactivity in response to stressors associated with several mental illness-like phenotypes 118,119,145,146 . Other studies have also revealed that alcohol exposure results in changes to central regulatory gene expression profiles, in the limbic system including the hippocampus [147][148][149][150] ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens 151 . Furthermore, studies of chronic low-dose exposure to alcohol during pregnancy altered basolateral amygdala structure 126 .…”

Section: Pathways Underlying Mental Health Outcomesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prenatal alcohol exposure and developmental programming of mental illness

Burgess

2020

J Dev Orig Health Dis

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It is well established that high-dose alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk for a plethora of adverse offspring outcomes. These include neurodevelopmental, cognitive and social deficits, as well as psychiatric illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. However, much less evidence is available on the effects of low- and early-dose alcohol exposure on mental health outcomes, regardless of the accumulating evidence that mental health outcomes should be considered in the context of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis. This review will discuss the evidence that indicates low-dose and early prenatal alcohol exposure can increase the risk of mental illness in offspring and discuss the mechanistic pathways that may be involved.

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Periconceptional ethanol exposure alters the stress axis in adult female but not male rat offspring

Cited by 10 publications

References 60 publications

The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiovascular System in Rats in a Sex-Specific Manner

The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiovascular System in Rats in a Sex-Specific Manner

Prenatal drug exposure and neurodevelopmental programming of glucocorticoid signalling

Prenatal alcohol exposure and developmental programming of mental illness

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