Effects of orally-administered ethanol on mammary gland morphology and functional efficiency in lactating rats.
The effect of ethanol on mammary gland morphology and functional efficiency in lactating rats was examined. When ethanol was orally administered from parturition throughout lactation, no effects were observed. When alcohol was administered from day 11 of gestation and throughout lactation, lower mammary gland weight and length, and pup weights were observed. Definite histological changes in the mammary gland were noted, especially at days 11 and 22 of lactation. It is speculated that ethanol disturbs the balance of the endocrine system relative to mammary gland development.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000431:Ethanol