Authors

Catherine A. VandeVoort, Ph.D., Kristin N. Grimsrud, D.V.M., Ph.D., Uros Midic, Ph.D., Namdori Mtango, Ph.D., Keith E. Latham, Ph.D.

Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 560-569

Abstract

Objective:

To determine if binge ethanol consumption before ovulation affects oocyte quality, gene expression, and subsequent embryo development.

Design:

Binge levels of ethanol were given twice weekly for 6 months, followed by a standard in vitro fertilization cycle and subsequent natural mating.

Setting:

National primate research center.

Animal(s):

Adult female rhesus monkeys.

Intervention(s):

Binge levels of ethanol, given twice weekly for 6 months before a standard in vitro fertilization cycle with or without embryo culture. With in vivo development, ethanol treatment continued until pregnancy was identified.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Oocyte and cumulus/granulosa cell gene expression, embryo development to blastocyst, and pregnancy rate.

Result(s):

Embryo development in vitro was reduced; changes were found in oocyte and cumulus cell gene expression; and spontaneous abortion during very early gestation increased.

Conclusion(s):

This study provides evidence that binge drinking can affect the developmental potential of oocytes even after alcohol consumption has ceased.

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)02311-5/fulltext