Effect of prenatal exposure to ethanol on brains of kittens: I. Changes of neurons in lateral geniculate nucleus

Our investigations try to reveal the morphological changes found postnatally at different levels and centres of central nervous system of kittens of cats chronically treated with ethanol during their pregnancy and lactation. The changes found in neurons of lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) were analyzed in Golgi-stained preparations from brains removed on the first or on the ninth postnatal days. The data were computerized. The changes measured in neurons refer to their maturation process: a significant delay of differentiation of the neurons occurs in LGN. Also a delayed gyrification of brains was observed.