Neurobehavioral effects in rat pups whose sires were exposed to alcohol.

Developmental neurobehavioral effects associated with maternal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy are well described, but little is known about the effects of paternal exposure prior to conception. Using a quasi-experimental, within-subjects design, neurobehavioral outcomes (reflex acquisition, activity, gait) and cerebral cortical layer thickness were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rat pups from breeding pairs where the sires were exposed to alcohol. Comparisons were made on the basis of the timing of conception relative to alcohol exposure: phase 1 (controls), prior to initiation of alcohol exposure; phase 2, during the period of treatment with 20% alcohol; and phase 3, following cessation of alcohol exposure.