The Effects of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure on Development and 24-hour Ethanol Consumption During Adolescence

Authors: Princess Pokharel, Zoe Silverman , Hodaya Katz, Dehaven R. McCray, Monica M. Juarez-Barnes, Shafin Thahseen, Ani Kuke, Abigail M. Kelley, Marvin R. Diaz, Anushree N. Karkhanis

Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math

Program Affiliation: Summer Scholars and Artists Program (SSAP)

Faculty Mentors: Anushree Karkhanis

Easel: 46

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Prenatal ethanol exposure (PAE) disrupts normal brain development resulting in behavioral deficits later in life, including a propensity to develop alcohol use disorder. This study investigated the effects of PAE on adolescent drinking patterns, using a single-bottle-choice drinking paradigm in Long Evans rats. PAE was hypothesized to increase 24-hour ethanol consumption. Interestingly, data showed that PAE female rats consumed less ethanol than their non-exposed counterparts, while male rats exhibited no significant differences in ethanol consumption. All female rats consumed higher amounts of ethanol than male rats, regardless of exposure. Additionally, PAE male and female rats had increased average body masses when compared to their age and sex-matched counterparts during early adolescence, though this effect diminished by late adolescence. These findings suggest that PAE influences drinking behavior in a sex and time-dependent manner. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying these sex-dependent differences in ethanol consumption following PAE.