Disruptions in survival and maturation of oligodendrocytes are likely to impair the formation of neurocircuitry and the efficient conduction of neuronal signals. Future studies are needed, however, to elucidate the effects of alcohol on oligodendrocytes and OPCs to understand the pathways that lead to alcohol-induced dysfunction. Examination of the impact of alcohol on oligodendrocytes and by extension, myelination has been intermittent at best, with the bulk of studies occurring in the late 1970s or early 1990s. With the availability and affordability of advanced imaging techniques, interest is once again growing and high resolution examination of myelin in FASD subjects is now possible. The ratio of macroglia (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) to neurons increases as the evolutionary complexity of the species increases (Sherwood et al., 2006), suggesting that astrocytes play an important role in higher order cognition and brain development. In addition, astrocytes are tuned to sense neuronal cues as evidenced by the diverse array of neurotransmitter receptors they express (Steinhauser and Kettenmann, 2009).

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview from the Glia Perspective

FASDs are preventable if a baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth. One person might have only a few, while another person could experience all of them. An individual with FAS may have noticeable changes to their face and limbs, as well as delays in the way their body develops over time. There can also be mental and emotional challenges throughout the person’s life that can impact their social life, education and work.

• To gain a greater understanding of alcohol effects on brain development and behavioral effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, several animal models have been developed.
• Science indicates that therapeutic interventions, special education and support services improve outcomes for patients and families.
• People with FASDs also experience behavioral issues, concentration problems, and executive dysfunction.
• Joining a support group or 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous also may help.
• They may be able to direct you to further options for achieving your goals and provide the medical care that may be necessary to withdraw from alcohol.

Effects of Alcohol on Radial Glia and Other Glial Structures in the Developing Brain

Some FAS cases may be similar to other conditions that have some of the same characteristics, which can make diagnosis very difficult. Don’t start an alcohol elimination program without telling your healthcare provider. They may be able to direct you to further options for achieving your goals and provide the medical care that may be necessary to withdraw from alcohol. Because many people do not know they are pregnant during those first few weeks, the risk of FAS increases if you drink alcohol and have unprotected sex. Unfortunately, people with FAS are more likely to experience legal troubles, have secondary mental health diagnoses, drunken baby syndrome and have higher rates of suicide.

• Disruptions in survival and maturation of oligodendrocytes are likely to impair the formation of neurocircuitry and the efficient conduction of neuronal signals.
• When a child is diagnosed, other children of the mother should be evaluated to determine whether they also have FAS.
• Make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss why you think your child may have an FASD.
• First-line treatments for children with ADHD and FAS include methylphenidate- and amphetamine-derived stimulants.
• FASD is completely avoidable if you do not drink alcohol while you’re pregnant.

Glial Contributions to Brain Development

More recently, neonatal alcohol exposure via vapor inhalation has been shown to increase GFAP expression in the cerebellum and hippocampus during the alcohol-withdrawal period (Topper et al., 2015). From these reports it can be concluded that the reduction of GFAP levels observed in vitro is recapitulated by in vivo experiments when alcohol is administered prenatally. However, the effect of neonatal exposure to alcohol on GFAP levels is not conclusive.

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Alcohol in the baby’s system can kill developing brain cells, slow growth of the brain, interfere with the neural connections in the brain, and affect other organs. Often mothers who drink have poor eating habits that also affect the baby. The range and severity of damage from alcohol varies from case to case and may be the result of various factors such as the quantity of alcohol consumed, the timing during pregnancy, the pattern of alcohol use, genetics, and environmental factors. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

• Significant volume reductions are observed in the caudate of subjects with FASD (Archibald et al., 2001).
• Visit these blogs for more tips and information about fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Research shows that the sooner a child gets treatment, the better the outcome.
• Some individuals with FAS may have a philtrum that is smoother than average.
• In this episode Alex R. Kemper, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, deputy editor of Pediatrics, shares a research roundup from the July issue of the journal.
• Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
• Models are present for nonhuman primates and sheep, which are advantageous due to gestation periods comparable to humans; however this is offset by substantially higher costs.

For example, research has shown that children with FASDs have a higher risk of experiencing family instability. The difficulties relating to FASDs may also become more pronounced over time. If you’ve already consumed alcohol during pregnancy, it’s never too late to stop. Brain growth in the fetus takes place throughout pregnancy, so stopping alcohol consumption as soon as possible is always best.