When expecting mothers drink alcohol, they not only put their own health at risk, but also the health of their developing baby. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can lead to a wide range of birth defects and developmental issues, including brain damage.
A recent study published in the journal Nature has shed new light on the specific ways that PAE can cause brain damage. Using cutting-edge technology, the researchers were able to create “brain organoids” – mini brains that closely resemble the real thing.
They then exposed the brain organoids to alcohol at different stages of development, and found that even low levels of exposure could cause significant damage. The damage was particularly evident in the hippocampus – a region of the brain critical for learning and memory.
While the study was conducted in a laboratory setting, it provides compelling evidence of the devastating effects of PAE. This is just one more reason why pregnant women are advised to abstain from alcohol completely during pregnancy.
A new study has used brain organoids – mini brains grown in a dish – to show for the first time how prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts the normal development of the cortex, causing lasting harms.
Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of birth defects and cognitive impairments in children. Despite its prevalence, there is still a lack of understanding of how prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain.
Now, using brain organoids, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have been able to show how prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts the normal development of the cortex, causing lasting harms.
The team found that prenatal alcohol exposure led to a reduction in the number of neurons in the brain organoids, as well as an increase in the number of astrocytes – a type of cell that provides support and structure for neurons.
Importantly, the team also found that prenatal alcohol exposure resulted in alterations to the way that the cortex develops, with a reduction in the number of neuronal connections being made.
These findings provide a detailed insight into how prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to lasting neurological harm, and highlights the importance of preventing alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
