Alcohol consumption by nursing rats and its effect on the cerebellum of the offspring.

To study the effect of alcohol on Purkinje cells and on myelination of the cerebellum of neonate rats, female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed alcohol (ethanol) during their nursing period. The alcohol was given in amounts of 5% or 10% per volume of drinking water. Food and liquids, equal in calories, were distributed among dams receiving alcohol. One group of control rats received similar diet but no alcohol. The results were then compared with those of a second group of controls, receiving no alcohol but having access to unlimited supplies of food and water. Histological examination of pups revealed degenerative changes in Purkinje cells and delayed myelination of the cerebellum.