Reduced binding of basic somatomedin by mouse placental membranes following maternal alcohol administration.

The effects of 3 days of maternal ethanol administration on the placenta and on basic somatomedin (B-SM) were investigated in the mouse. Following administration of aqueous ethanol by gavage on days 13, 14 and 15 of gestation, there was no treatment-related difference in embyonic growth or placental weight as seen on day 15. There was a significant reduction in the specific binding of [125I]B-SM by day 15 placental membranes, but no difference in serum B-SM concentrations or in the frequency or severity of degenerative changes in the placenta. We have shown that changing levels of serum B-SM over the normal course of pregnancy correspond closely to patterns of cellular proliferation and aging in the placenta. It is possible that impairment in the binding activity of B-SM receptors contributes to the premature aging observed in term placentas exposed to alcohol during pregnancy in the rodent.