Preimplantational ethanol exposure causes disturbances in gene expression and abnormalities in cerebral cortex morphogenesis and behavior.

ABSTRACT: Preimplantational ethanol exposure during the early stages of pregnancy is associated with significant developmental abnormalities in the cerebral cortex and behavioral changes. This study explores the impact of such exposure on neurogenesis, cortical morphogenesis, neuronal development, and behavioral outcomes. Ethanol exposure impairs the proliferation of radial glial and intermediate progenitor cells, disrupting neurogenesis in the dorsal telencephalon. Histological analysis reveals reduced neuronal distribution and decreased microglia numbers, highlighting neuroinflammation's role in these abnormalities. Gene expression studies show disrupted BDNF expression and upregulation of neurogenesis-related genes like Ngn2 and NeuroD, suggesting a potential imbalance in neuronal differentiation

SUBMITTER: Sugiyama R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12469194 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature