Publication Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Wallace, Doug
Degree Name
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Legacy Department
Department of Psychology
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a prevalent phenomenon conserved across cultures which can result in a heterogeneous set of symptoms associated with offspring development. Although there is much research characterizing the extent of disruptions in spatial and motor performance, there appears to be conflicting results dependent on the type of PAE model. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate a more reliable and translatable model of symptoms associated with fetal alcohol syndrome disorders. The current set of experiments evaluated the effects of alcohol exposure in mice during prenatal (gestation day 4-18) and early postnatal (postnatal day 4-12) development on organization of spatial and gross motor behavior in adulthood. Results indicate spatial orientation and gait are spared; however, a dissociation in anxiety measures was observed between exposure timepoints, which was dependent on sex. Specially, PAE males and PrAE females were observed to display more behaviors indicative of anxiety. Additionally, the organization of spatial and gait behaviors appears to be spared. Future research should continue to develop translatable models of PAE as well as aiding in early detection of subtle symptoms.
Recommended Citation
Schaeffer, Ericka Ann, "The Effects of Prenatal and Perinatal Alcohol Exposure on Adult Mouse Behavior" (2023). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 7847.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/7847
Extent
114 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
