Homeostasis changes induced by the action of ethanol on the materno-fetal complex in rats. IV. Late maternal effects following acute intoxication during the preimplantation period.

The possible late maternal effect on biochemical homeostasis of acute administration of ethanol during the preimplantation period was studied on pregnant albino female rats (Wistar strain). Females were injected i.v. with a 33.16% (v/v) solution of ethanol (4.80 ml/kg body weight) on day 2 and 4 of pregnancy, the animals being sacrificed on day 20. The effects on hepatic DNA biosynthesis and on some serum metabolites (proteins, lipids and some non-protein nitrogen compounds) were determined in the treated and in an untreated control group. In the treated group a non-significant increase of hepatic DNA concentration was found. Homeostasis changes of serum proteins involved: a slight increase of total serum protein content, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia (non-significant values). Lipid metabolites showed also non-significant changes: increase of total lipids and decrease of cholesterol. Uric acid and urea (non-protein metabolites) concentration was increased. This increase, in spite of its significance level, must be taken into account and may be due to the presence of dead fetuses and to the consecutive renal lesions.