Behavioral changes in rat following perinatal exposure to ethanol.

Behavioral changes following pre- and postnatal ethanol administration were examined in rat pups of various ages. A significant increase in locomotor activity occurred at all ages (16, 22 and 30 days) examined. Nose poking activity in 22-day-old pups and standing activity in 30-day-old pups were also significantly higher following perinatal ethanol exposure. No significant change in grooming behavior was observed. The overactivity in rat pups following perinatal ethanol exposure is consistent with the frequently observed hyperactivity in fetal alcohol syndrome children.