'Perforated' synapses in frontal cortex of chronic alcohol-fed rats.

The effects of prolonged alcohol consumption on the structure of prelimbic cortical synapses of the adult rat were studied. 'Perforated' synapses in alcohol-treated animals were abundant, with small spinules displaying different aspects according to the plane of section. We postulate that the central parts of the synaptic disc are more vulnerable to chronic alcohol consumption.