Effect of alcoholization upon the maternal and fetal hepatic DNA and the maternal serum-proteins in pregnant albino rats.

Experiments were performed on pregnant albino rats (Wistar strain) of 150-200 g b.w. Biochemical investigations involved the determination of maternal and fetal hepatic DNA content (Spirin's method), of maternal serum proteins (total protein content and electrophoretic fractions). The mean litter size, early resorptions, fetal mortality, and some biochemical data of fetuses were also determined. The main statements were as follows: The chronic, peroral administration of 20% ethanol to pregnant albino rats before and during pregnancy induced changes of the biosynthesis of hepatic DNA: a nonsignificant increase as compared with the control group was recorded. The control of serum proteins revealed an increase of the total protein content and of the total electrophoretic serumglobulin fractions. Within the globulin fraction, a hyper-alpha-globulinemia, and a hypo-beta and gamma globulinemia were detected. In the fetuses of the experimental group a slight but statistically significant increase of the hepatic DNA content appeared. In the experimental group the early resorption rate (10.97%) and the fetal mortality (2.43%) was increased in comparison with the control group (0%). In the alcoholized mothers a nonsignificant decrease of the crown-rump length and a significant decrease of fetal and placental weight could be observed.