Effects of adolescent ethanol exposure on Purkinje cell viability

Abstract

Chronic alcoholism can cause damage to the cerebellum, an area of the brain associated with motor learning and coordination. Recently, we found that adolescent exposure to ethanol in rats can cause altered motor function in adulthood. In the current study, we investigated the effects of adolescent ethanol exposure on the viability of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). To simulate binge drinking, male Sprague‐Dawley rats received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 25% (v/v) ethanol in isotonic saline (3g/kg) for either 7 days (P31‐37) or 4 days (P31,33,35,37). Controls received an i.p. injection of isotonic saline (P31‐37). Animals administered ethanol displayed obvious loss of motor coordination within minutes of injection. Blood alcohol concentration at 30 min was 275± 16 mg/dl, which represents approximately 12‐15 drink equivalents. On P58, rats were sacrificed and coronal slices of the cerebellum were prepared and stained with cresyl violet. Slices from control animals displayed an intact PC layer. However, rats that had received either 4 or 7 injections of ethanol had a significant loss of PCs as compared to controls. Given the importance of PCs in motor control, these findings suggest that PC death caused by adolescent ethanol exposure may lead to long‐lasting adverse effects on motor coordination. Supported by ABMRF/The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Canada Foundation for Innovation.