Objective: To investigate the effect of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on the basic rhythmic respiratory discharge in medullary bulb slices of offspring neonatal rats.
Methods: The isolated medulla oblongata brain slices of neonatal rats including the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) and the hypoglossal nerve root were prepared and perfused with modified Kreb's solution (MKS). , using the adsorption electrode to record the RRDA of the hypoglossal nerve root on the ventral side of the medulla oblongata, and analyze the changes of RRDA. The experiment was divided into 5 groups: control group, 4% alcohol exposure group, 6% alcohol exposure group, 8% alcohol exposure group and 10% alcohol exposure group, to study the effect of different concentrations of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on RRDA.
Results: In the control group, 4% alcohol exposure group, 6% alcohol exposure group, and 8% alcohol exposure group, the RRDA inspiratory time course (TI), respiratory rate (RF), and discharge integral amplitude (IA) within 50 minutes in each group ) was not statistically different, the RRDA rhythm in the 10% alcohol exposure group was irregular; compared with the control group, the RRDA in the 4%–10% alcohol exposure group gradually decreased with the increase of alcohol concentration, TI shortened, RF decreased, and IA weakened.
Conclusion: Alcohol exposure during pregnancy inhibits the RRDA of the hypoglossal nerve root in the medulla oblongata of neonatal rats, which may be the basis for the inhibition of respiratory function of the offspring by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.