Periconceptional alcohol alters in vivo heart function in ageing female rat offspring: Possible involvement of oestrogen receptor signalling

Abstract

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? What are the cardiovascular consequences of periconceptual ethanol on offspring throughout the lifespan? What is the main finding and its importance? It is shown for the first time that periconceptional alcohol has sex-specific effects on heart growth, with ageing female offspring exhibiting decreased cardiac output. Altered in vivo cardiac function in ageing female offspring may be linked to changes in cardiac oestrogen receptor expression. Abstract: Alcohol exposure throughout gestation is detrimental to cardiac development and function. Although many women decrease alcohol consumption once aware of a pregnancy, exposure prior to re..