[Effect of ethanol on the development of mouse neuroblasts].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of ethanol on the development of embryonic neuroblasts and the relation to ethanol's teratogenicity.

METHODS

12 day mouse embryos with 34-36 somites were separated from the dam. The embryonic midbrain was cut off and neuroblasts were prepared for primary culture. The neuroblasts were cultured with different concentrations of ethanol. After 3-5 days, the cell differentiation, neurofilament protein level and apoptosis were detected.

RESULTS

Differentiation of the midbrain neuroblasts were inhibited by ethanol exposure. As the ethanol concentration increasing, the level of neurofilament protein decreased and the number of cells undergoing apoptosis increased, showing a dose dependant style.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol could inhibit the differentiation of midbrain neuroblasts, suppressed the express of neurofilament protein and induce excessive apoptosis, which may be related to the teratogenic action of ethanol on central nervous system.