[Characteristics of the DNA-RNA-protein-synthesizing apparatus of cerebral cortex neurons as a result of prenatal exposure to alcohol].

Ribonucleoproteins and chromatin of the nuclei were studied by the electron--cytochemical method proposed by Bernhard while the incorporation of 3H-leucine into the proteins of pyramidal neurons of layer V of the sensomotor cortex of the brain was investigated histoautoradiographically. An elevated metabolic activity of the DNA-RNA protein system was found in neurons of 30-day-old rats that had been exposed to alcohol in the antenatal period. In animals over 2 months of age, these parameters became normal. The results may be considered as a reflection of a transient delay of the development of cortical neurons.