Reversible effects of ethanol in utero on cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum of guinea pig offspring

Study objective – The aim was to investigate the effects of chronic ethanol exposure in utero on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of the developing heart. Design – Pregnant guinea pigs were given 2.5% ethanol in their drinking water and guinea pig lab chow from day 30 to the end of pregnancy. Control pregnant guinea pigs received regular drinking water and lab chow. Ethanol was discontinued at delivery. Cardiac calcium transport function was evaluated in isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum from offspring of ethanol treated and control guinea pigs killed at 1-3 d and 3-5 months of age. Experimental subjects – The study group consisted of 28 Camm-Hartley guinea pigs. There were 24 controls of the same species. Measurements and main results – Maternal deaths, litter size, number of stillborns, newborn body weight, and heart weight were not different in ethanol treated and control guinea pigs and their offspring. Ca2+ uptake, Ca2+ binding, and Ca2+stimulated ATPase activity in isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum were all reduced in 1-3 d old offspring from ethanol treated mothers when compared to age matched control offspring (p>0.05). By 3-5 months, calcium transport in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum of ethanol treated offspring was similar to that of age matched control offspring. Conclusions – Moderate ethanol exposure in utero produced functional cardiac alterations in the newborn which were slowly reversible with abstinence from ethanol.