Transgenerational effects of binge drinking in a primate model: implications for human health

Abstract

Objective: To determine if binge ethanol consumption before ovulation affects oocyte quality, gene expression, and subsequent embryo development.

Design: Binge levels of ethanol were given twice weekly for 6 months, followed by a standard in vitro fertilization cycle and subsequent natural mating.

Setting: National primate research center.

Animal(s): Adult female rhesus monkeys.

Intervention(s): Binge levels of ethanol, given twice weekly for 6 months before a standard in vitro fertilization cycle with or without embryo culture. With in vivo development, ethanol treatment continued until pregnancy was identified.

Main outcome measure(s): Oocyte and cumulus/granulosa cell gene expression, embryo development to blastocyst, and pregnancy rate.

Result(s): Embryo development in vitro was reduced; changes were found in oocyte and cumulus cell gene expression; and spontaneous abortion during very early gestation increased.

Conclusion(s): This study provides evidence that binge drinking can affect the developmental potential of oocytes even after alcohol consumption has ceased.

Keywords: Cumulus cells; cDNA array; fetal alcohol syndrome; granulosa cells; reproduction; transcriptome.