Ethanol exposure and malnutrition effects on visual cortex during peri-natal development

Abstract

To evaluate the ethanol and malnutrition effects on body and brain weights development and the histologic alterations of visual cortex. Wistar male rats were generated and suckled by dams submitted to a commercial laboratory diet (“Labina®” 23% protein; group N) or to a low-protein diet (“Basic Regional Diet”, BRD - 8% protein; group D). Each group was subdivided in 2, according to the gavage treatment, with filtered water or ethanol (E), resulting 4 groups (N, D, E and ED). Regarding body weights, 3 periods were analysed: 3rd (P3), 25th (P25) and 40th (P40) postnatal days. For histochemical study, histological brain slices were stained with HE, Masson Trichrome, Periodic Acid-Schiff and Van Gienson. At P3 body weights of groups E, D and ED were lower than the group N. At P25 and P40, the body weight differences (p < 0,05) were found: group ED < N; ED < D; and ED < E. Concerning brain weights (P40), there were differences between groups ED and D and between D and N. There was not difference among the groups for vessels density. Collagen and/or elastic fibers storages were not seen in the neuropil. The group N presented higher number and regular distribution of PAS+ cells when compared with other groups. Both experimental conditions reduce body and brain weights during early postnatal periodand in the visual cortex, the animals do not show differences relationed with vessels density.