Effect of Maternal Alcohol Consumption on Epididymal Growth in Neonatal Mice

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effect of maternal alcohol consumption on the growth of epididymis in neonatal mice. Three groups of adult female mice were used. The pups of group 1 served as control while the pups of groups 2 and 3 were given 30% ethanol (v/v) during pregnancy and during pregnancy and lactation respectively. At 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of age, 10 male pups were randomly selected from each of the three groups and sacrificed. After sacrifice, the epididymis were dissected out and their
weights determined. The results of the study showed significant decrease in the weights and growth rates of the epididymis of the pups exposed to alcohol when compared with the controls. The study has therefore  demonstrated that maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy and during
pregnancy and lactation affects the growth of epididymis of the neonates and that the epididymis of the neonates exposed to alcohol attempted catch-up growth with the controls