Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on forepaw digit length and digit ratios in rats

  1. Andrew P. McMechan1,
  2. Shonagh K. O'Leary-Moore2,
  3. Scott D. Morrison2,
  4. John H. Hannigan3,†

Article first published online: 17 NOV 2004

DOI: 10.1002/dev.20035

Issue

Developmental Psychobiology

Developmental Psychobiology

Volume 45, Issue 4, pages 251–258, December 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

McMechan, A. P., O'Leary-Moore, S. K., Morrison, S. D. and Hannigan, J. H. (2004), Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on forepaw digit length and digit ratios in rats. Dev. Psychobiol., 45: 251–258. doi: 10.1002/dev.20035

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201

  2. 2

    Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201

  3. 3

    Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201

  1. †

    Human Growth & Development, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, 275 East Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 17 NOV 2004
  2. Article first published online: 17 NOV 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 3 AUG 2004
  4. Manuscript Received: 11 OCT 2003

Funded by

  • NIAAA. Grant Number: R01-AA12015

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Keywords:

  • fetal alcohol syndrome;
  • sex;
  • gender differences;
  • testosterone;
  • retinoic acid;
  • skeleton (phalanges);
  • fingers;
  • rats

Abstract

Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause limb and digit defects. Variations in digit ratios in humans are associated with prenatal testosterone exposure. Since prenatal alcohol can reduce testosterone in rats, the effects of prenatal alcohol were measured on rat digit length. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were intubated with 0 g/kg, 4 g/kg, or 6 g/kg of ethanol from Gestational Day 8 (GD8) to GD20. The 0-g/kg group and a nonintubated group served as controls. At postnatal day 31, forepaw digit lengths were measured and digit ratios calculated. Females had smaller digits on both forepaws and higher digit ratios on the right forepaw than males. Rats exposed to 6 g/kg of ethanol had smaller digits than controls on both forepaws and higher digit ratios than controls on the left forepaw. Rat digit ratios differ between the sexes, and prenatal alcohol exposure affects digit ratios. The results are consistent with a perinatal disruption of testosterone levels by alcohol and/or of testosterone's effects on digit length and ratios. An alternate interpretation is consistent with a retinoic acid-mediated effect of alcohol on digit length and ratios. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 45: 251–258, 2004.

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