Teratogenic and toxic effects of alcohol and caffeine

ABSTRACT

In vitro and in vivo influence of ethanol, caffeine and acetaldehyde on embryonic development was investigated in rats. The in vivo study showed no external anomalies in the fetuses and embryolethality was not affected in any of the groups. Growth was reduced in alcohol caffeine fetuses than alcohol alone. Acetaldehyde mildly reduces growth. The in vitro study showed the effect of these drugs on development of the embryo. The adverse effect of alcohol was more pronounced on cardiovascular and skeletal system as well as on craniofacial development, while that of caffeine was restricted to the central nervous system. Caffeine did not potentiate the adverse effect of alcohol. Alcohol and acetaldehyde were shown to be teratogenic in this study