Lipid composition of brain regions during chronic maternal alcohol treatment and withdrawal in the rat.

ABSTRACT

The lipid composition of whole brain, cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem was studied in rat pups exposed to alcohol during prenatal and postnatal period and subsequent withdrawal or continuation during postweaning period. The concentrations of cholesterol and galactolipids were increased in the whole brain and brain regions of the pups exposed to alcohol. Even after 6 weeks of withdrawal from alcohol during postweaning period, the lipid levels were significantly higher compared to the controls. These observations suggest possible alterations in the functions of CNS related to membrane integrity.