An Overview of the Mechanisms of Abnormal GABAergic Interneuronal Cortical Migration Associated with Prenatal Ethanol Exposure

Neurochem Res. 2017 May;42(5):1279-1287. doi: 10.1007/s11064-016-2169-5. Epub 2017 Feb 3.

Abstract

GABAergic Interneuronal migration constitutes an essential process during corticogenesis. Derived from progenitor cells located in the proliferative zones of the ventral telencephalon, newly generated GABAergic Interneuron migrate to their cortical destinations. Cortical dysfunction associated with defects in neuronal migration results in severe developmental consequences. There is growing evidence linking prenatal ethanol exposure to abnormal GABAergic interneuronal migration and subsequent cortical dysfunction. Investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms behind disrupted GABAergic interneuronal migration encountered with prenatal alcohol exposure is crucial for understanding and managing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This review explores the molecular pathways regulating GABAergic interneuronal cortical migration that might be altered by prenatal ethanol exposure thus opening new avenues for further research in this topic.

Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; GABA; GABAergic Interneurons; Prenatal Ethanol Exposure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage
  • Ethanol / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / etiology
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / metabolism
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / pathology
  • GABAergic Neurons / drug effects
  • GABAergic Neurons / metabolism*
  • GABAergic Neurons / pathology
  • Humans
  • Interneurons / drug effects
  • Interneurons / metabolism*
  • Interneurons / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / chemically induced
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / metabolism*
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / pathology

Substances

  • Ethanol