Fetal alcohol syndrome: the vulnerability of the developing brain and possible mechanisms of damage.
Fetal alcohol exposure has multiple deleterious effects on brain development, and represents a leading known cause of mental retardation. This review of the effects of alcohol exposure on the developing brain evaluates results from human, animal and in vitro studies, but focuses on key research issues, including possible mechanisms of damage. Factors that affect the risk and severity of fetal alcohol damage also are considered.
West
J R
JR
Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Neurobiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station 77843-1114.
Chen
W J
WJ
Pantazis
N J
NJ
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors
D000431:Ethanol