n-Propanol induced microcephaly in the neonatal rat.
Neonatal rats were reared using an artificial feeding technique from postnatal day 5 through 18. On days 5, 6, 7 and 8 some animals received n-propanol in their milk formula with the remaining animals serving as controls. The propanol was given in doses similar to that of ethanol which is known to result in microcephaly using this procedure. Following the 4 day alcohol exposure, all animals received the plain milk formula until day 18, when they were decapitated and various organ weights measured. Brain weights and brain/body weight ratios were significantly decreased in the alcohol exposed group. Biochemical analysis showed the alcohol exposed group had a decreased amount of DNA in all brain areas examined. Cholesterol levels were decreased in the forebrain and cerebellar samples of the alcohol group, while protein levels were decreased only in the forebrain samples. The results suggest that exposure to n-propanol during a portion of the brain growth spurt of the neonatal rat inhibits brain development. The biochemical measures of brain growth imply n-propanol interferes with the development of the brain in a manner similar to ethanol.