Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Basal Ganglia Development

Prenatal exposure to alcohol (ethanol) in humans [5] and animals results in a range of alcoholinduced developmental defects. In humans [5], those collective birth defects [6] are called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, with the most severe manifestation being Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [7] (FAS). FAS is defined by preand post-natal growth retardation [8], minor facial abnormalities, and deficiencies in the central nervous system [9] (CNS). The basal ganglia, one of the central nervous system [9] components, are affected by exposure to ethanol during development. When exposed to alcohol in utero, the basal ganglia decrease in size, which results in poor motor coordination and defects in executive functioning.