Animals and humans exposed to ethanol in utero exhibit altered motor activity and increased arousal. Based on an extensive clinical and preclinical literature which indicates that these functions are influenced by mesencephalic dopamine (DA) systems, we hypothesized that these neuronal systems might be altered by prenatal ethanol exposure. Preliminary observations detailed within this proposal indicate that this hypothesis was correct. This proposal details a complete examination of the influence of in utero ethanol exposure on dopamine neuronal systems. It outlines a series of interrelated studies which will examine changes in both presynaptic dopamine neurons and postsynaptic dopamine-sensitive cells. The analyses will include the detailed investigation of the number and morphology of dopamine neurons, evaluation of dopamine cell electrophysiology (firing rate and pattern), examination of the changes in various dopamine receptors (dopamine autoreceptors, D2 and D1 receptors), examination of altered G-protein mRNA expression, analysis of substance P and met-enkephalin mRNA expression, and examination of the dopamine transporter. Combined electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, biochemical and pharmacological methods will be employed. It is hoped that the findings obtained will provide new information regarding the influence of ethanol on the expression of normal adult characteristics of mesencephalic dopamine neuronal systems.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Specialized Center (P50)
Project #
5P50AA007606-10
Application #
6233841
Study Section
Project Start
1996-12-01
Project End
1998-11-30
Budget Start
1996-10-01
Budget End
1997-09-30
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Wayne State University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Detroit
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48202
Jacobson, Sandra W; Carter, R Colin; Jacobson, Joseph L (2014) Breastfeeding as a proxy for benefits of parenting skills for later reading readiness and cognitive competence. J Pediatr 164:440-2
Carter, R Colin; Jacobson, Joseph L; Dodge, Neil C et al. (2014) Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on testosterone and pubertal development. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 38:1671-9
Dodge, Neil C; Jacobson, Joseph L; Jacobson, Sandra W (2014) Protective effects of the alcohol dehydrogenase-ADH1B*3 allele on attention and behavior problems in adolescents exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. Neurotoxicol Teratol 41:43-50
Yumoto, Chie; Jacobson, Sandra W; Jacobson, Joseph L (2008) Fetal substance exposure and cumulative environmental risk in an African American cohort. Child Dev 79:1761-76
Cortese, Bernadette M; Moore, Gregory J; Bailey, Beth A et al. (2006) Magnetic resonance and spectroscopic imaging in prenatal alcohol-exposed children: preliminary findings in the caudate nucleus. Neurotoxicol Teratol 28:597-606
Jacobson, Sandra W; Carr, Lucinda G; Croxford, Julie et al. (2006) Protective effects of the alcohol dehydrogenase-ADH1B allele in children exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. J Pediatr 148:30-7
Burden, Matthew J; Jacobson, Sandra W; Jacobson, Joseph L (2005) Relation of prenatal alcohol exposure to cognitive processing speed and efficiency in childhood. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 29:1473-83
Burden, Matthew J; Jacobson, Sandra W; Sokol, Robert J et al. (2005) Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on attention and working memory at 7.5 years of age. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 29:443-52
Jacobson, Sandra W; Jacobson, Joseph L; Sokol, Robert J et al. (2004) Maternal age, alcohol abuse history, and quality of parenting as moderators of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on 7.5-year intellectual function. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 28:1732-45
Das, Utpala G; Cronk, Christine E; Martier, Susan S et al. (2004) Alcohol dehydrogenase 2*3 affects alterations in offspring facial morphology associated with maternal ethanol intake in pregnancy. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 28:1598-606

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