Acetaldehyde mediates the ethanol effects in developing brain

Abstract

Comments on an article by S. M. March, P. Abate and J. C. Molina (see record [rid]2013-25425-001[/rid]). The mini review of March et al. devoted to a very interesting problem: the role of acetaldehyde in the effects of ethanol in early postnatal development. It summarizes and analyzes carefully the literature available on the problem and in general the review looks quite comprehensive. In the beginning, as an introduction, the authors provide epidemiological data concerning the early initiation of alcohol consumption in children. In addition they mentioned the possibility of involuntary alcohol exposure of fetus or newborn as a result of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Then the authors describe the data available on the pharmacological, mostly behavioral, effects of ethanol in early ontogeny. In addition, the induction of catalase following intragastric administration of ethanol to pups on the 5th and 6th day after birth as well as appearance of acetaldehyde (AC) adducts with proteins in the brain have been found. The final section of the review was devoted to the behavioral effects of acetaldehyde during early ontogeny. The important role of AC in mediation of the motivational and motor effects of ethanol has been demonstrated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)