ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION BY NURSING RATS AND ITS EFFECT ON THE CEREBELLUM OF THE OFFSPRING

To study the effect of alcohol on Purkinje cells and on myelination of the cerebellum of neonate rats, female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a lcohol (ethanol) during their nursing period. The alcohol was given in amounts of 5% or 10% per volume of drinking water. Food and liquids, equal in calories, were distributed among darns receiving alcohol. One group of control rats received similar diet but no alcohol. The resul ts were then compared with those of a second group of controls, receiv ing no alcohol but having access to unlimited supplies of food and wat er. Histological examination of pups revealed degenerative changes in Purkinje cells and delayed myelination of the cerebellum.