Alcohol, pregnancy, and prostaglandins

Abstract

Basic scientists and clinicians alike are in agreement that children of alcoholic mothers are at risk for a variety of birth defects. These defects have been labeled fetal alcohol syndrome or, in a milder form, fetal alcohol effects. Prevention or therapeutic intervention of this disorder requires an understanding of the mechanism of action of alcohol on the developing fetus. This paper addresses the possible role of prostaglandins as biochemical mediators of the teratogenic actions of alcohol.