Effects of transient alcohol exposure to the fetus in early pregnancy on brain development

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16908
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52050:Embryonic medicine and pediatrics-related
• Research Institution: Central Institute for Experimental Animals
• Principal Investigator: YURIMOTO Terumi 公益財団法人実験動物中央研究所, マーモセット医学生物学研究部, 主任 (80806985)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: マーモセット / 非ヒト霊長類 / 脳血流 / FASD / 胎児

Outline of Final Research Achievements

During this research period, in order to realize the establishment of a technique for observing fetal cerebral blood flow, we conducted a detailed analysis of fetal three-dimensional structures using contrast-enhanced CT, established a method for observing fetal blood flow using an echo system and measuring blood flow velocity in target blood vessels, and designed a new holding device for fetal MRI imaging in the awake state. In particular, echo blood flow measurements were taken weekly in pregnant marmosets to image the major blood vessels of the brain, thought to be basilar arteries and carotid arteries, and to measure blood flow velocities in pulsed doppler mode. As MRI and MR Angiography of awake marmosets cannot be performed with existing equipment, a new restrainer was designed using a 3D printer during this study period.

Free Research Field

実験動物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

非ヒト霊長類であるマーモセットはマウスよりも薬物の催奇形性の影響がヒトと類似していること、大脳が大きく、発達していることの２点から胎児発達の研究に有用である。本研究は予防の困難な妊娠発覚前の飲酒に焦点を当て、妊娠初期のアルコール暴露が胎児の発達に与える長期的な影響を血液循環の面から理解することを第一の目標にしているが、胎生期の脳血流の測定技術の確立は自閉症や発達障害のような様々な疾患モデルでも使用できる汎用性が高い研究である。そのため、様々な疾病の理解につながる社会的、学術的意義が高い研究である。