Interaction of alcohol and zinc in fetal dysmorphogenesis.

The interaction of low doses of alcohol and marginal zinc deficiency during gestation was studied in pregnant mice and their fetuses. The combination of the two agents at subteratogenic doses was related to increased external and internal defects. Pregnant mice fed a diet containing 10 micrograms/g zinc were orally dosed with 2.0 micrograms/g of 50% ethanol for 18 days of pregnancy. Fetuses from these dams presented with more fetal defects than fetuses from control dams. Analysis of maternal livers showed a significant effect of alcohol on liver magnesium and zinc. Changes in fetal heart zinc levels were the only significant tissue effect of alcohol in the fetus.