Citation: Cicero, T.J. (1994). Effects of paternal exposure to alcohol on offspring development. Alcohol Health & Research World, 18(1), 1994.
Article Type: Review
Conclusion: Based on prior research, alcohol consumption in male rats may have a long-term damaging impact on the development of offspring. The mechanism is unclear. More research is needed in this area.
Summary: It is well documented that maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can compromise the development of the fetus and can result in long-lasting damage to organs and systems, including the brain. Although the role of alcohol consumption by the male has not been researched to the same extent, studies have suggested that genetic factors of fathers who consume alcohol may have a compromising effect on the cognitive and behavioral development of their offspring. Twin and adoptee studies show a high incidence of alcoholism in the offspring of alcoholic fathers. Animal studies show that alcohol influences male fertility, offspring viability, and fetal/newborn development. Alcohol-sired rats demonstrated disturbances in reproductive and stress-related hormones as well as inferior performance on spatial learning tests. Furthermore, these effects appeared to be residual, with abnormal offspring being produced following a period during which normal hormone levels were restored in the father. Mechanisms are unclear, and may include: direct effect on the properties of the sperm; sperm selection; the presence of chemicals in the semen.
Implications: The vast majority of literature concerning prenatal alcohol exposure points to the role of the mother as its source. Not thoroughly investigated is the role of the male. Indeed, the role of alcohol consumption by the father must be considered, either as a direct contributor to fetal damage, or at a minimum, as an influence to the mother in her own behaviors regarding alcohol consumption.
Email Address: cicerot@wustl.edu