Chronic ethanol consumption and hippocampal neuron dendritic spines: a morphometric and physiological analysis.

Abstract The effects of chronic ethanol administration on hippocampal pyramidal neuron dendritic spines were examined in Long-Evans rats. The density and shape of spines did not differ between ethanol-treated animals and pair-fed controls. Data from both groups were similar to those reported previously in untreated animals. Spine function was studied electrophysiologically. No change in population spikes or EPSPs, evoked by Schaffer-commissural stimulation, was seen between alcohol-treated and pair-fed control rats. Moreover, the properties of long-term potentiation were similar in the two groups. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that chronic ethanol administration does not reduced hippocampal dendritic spine numbers or function. Given the previously reported ethanol-induced abnormalities using Golgi impregnation, however, it is possible that chronic alcohol treatment alters membrane properties of the spines.