Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) during late gestation can cause cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairments associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The third trimester corresponds to a critical period of brain growth and maturation. This study examined the effects of Third Trimester-equivalent Alcohol Exposure (TTAE) on oligodendrocyte development and adult behavior. Neonatal mice were exposed to ethanol or air vapor from postnatal day (P) 4–8. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed at P8 and P30 to assess myelination, apoptosis, and oligodendrocyte lineage progression. TTAE significantly reduced myelin basic protein (MBP) expression at P8, which was recovered by P30, indicating delayed developmental myelination. Despite increased apoptosis, oligodendrocyte lineage was not altered. Behavioral assays at 5–6 months revealed sex-specific effects, with males showing increased locomotor activity, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and impaired novelty exploration, while females were largely unaffected. These findings indicate that TTAE delays myelination and can cause persistent sex-specific behavioral changes.

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Erin Milligan

Second Committee Member

Tou Yia Vue

Third Committee Member

Julie In

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