GANGLIOSIDE GM1 REDUCES FETAL ALCOHOL EFFECTS IN RAT PUPS EXPOSED TO ETHANOL IN-UTERO

We have investigated the effect of in utero ethanol exposure and gangl ioside GM1 pretreatment on the endogenous ganglioside profile of the r at fetal brain. Prenatal ethanol exposure on gestation day (GD)7 and G D8 and/or GD13 end GD14 leads to a very significant increase in the ga nglioside GM1 content in at least 50% of the pup brains when assayed o n GD20. This treatment protocol also results in significant decrease i n the content of polysialogangliosides GD1a, GT1b, and GQ1b. GM1 treat ment of pregnant dams before ethanol administration prevented this alt eration in pup brain ganglioside profile. Ganglioside GM1 pretreatment appears to block the cellular membrane changes associated with fetal alcohol effects and thereby minimizes alterations in brain maturation and associated behavioral dysfunction.