Effect of maternal alcohol consumption on the growth rates of accessory sex organs in neonatal mice

The effect of maternal alcohol consumption on the growth rate of accessory sex organs (seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands ) in neonatal mice was investigated using 120 male mice offspring obtained from 36 female mice divided into three groups, 1, 2 and 3 of 12 mice each. The pups of group 1 served as control while those of groups 2 and 3 were given 30% ethanol (v/v) during pregnancy (P) and during pregnancy and lactation (PL) respectively. At 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of age, 10 male pups were randomly selected from each of the three groups and sacrificed. After sacrifice, the accessory sex organs were dissected out and their weights determined. Thereafter, the relative growth rates of the organs were determined. The results showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in the growth rates of accessory sex organs in P and PL when compared with the control. The investigation has therefore demonstrated that maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy and during pregnancy and lactation affects the growth rate of accessory sex organs in the neonates and that the organs attempted catch-up growth with the control.