Effects of alcohol on behavioral and morphologic indices of sexual maturation in male rats

Hernández-González, Marisela; Sánchez, Koral Elizabeth Rivera; Blando, Martha Verónica Oropeza; Orozco-Suarez, Sandra; Silva, Marcela Arteaga; Guevara, Miguel Angel

doi:10.1016/j.alcohol.2004.06.002

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Volume 33, Issue 2 , Pages 117-126, June 2004

Effects of alcohol on behavioral and morphologic indices of sexual maturation in male rats

Marisela Hernández-González
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Rayo 2611, Colonia Jardines del Bosque, 44520 Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +52-33-3647-7776; fax: +52-33-3647-7776.
Koral Elizabeth Rivera Sánchez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Rayo 2611, Colonia Jardines del Bosque, 44520 Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
Martha Verónica Oropeza Blando
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Farmacología, Hospital de Especialidades, CMN Siglo XXI, IMSS. Av. Cuauthemoc 330, Colonia Doctores, C.P. 06725, México, D.F. México
Sandra Orozco-Suarez
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades, CMN Siglo XXI, IMSS. Av. Cuauthemoc 330, Colonia Doctores, C.P. 06725, México, D.F. México
Marcela Arteaga Silva
- Depto. de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Campus Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina, C.P. 09340. México, D.F. México
Miguel Angel Guevara
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Rayo 2611, Colonia Jardines del Bosque, 44520 Guadalajara, Jalisco, México

Received 12 February 2004; received in revised form 8 June 2004; accepted 9 June 2004.

Editor: T.R. Jerrells

Abstract

Results of studies support the suggestion that alcohol treatment after weaning produces a delay in the onset of puberty and a decrease in the weight of sex organs of male rats. The effect of alcohol on other morphologic and behavioral indices related to sexual maturation, however, has not been evaluated. In the current study, chronic consumption of alcohol (6% ethanol) in male rats, from weaning to 47 days of age, advanced the occurrence of increased values of genital grooming and spontaneous penile erections and of preputial separation, but had no effect on sex organ weight or penile spine number. Findings from the current study reflect that the effects of alcohol on the morphologic and behavioral indices of sexual maturation are distinct and emphasize the importance of studying critical peripubertal ages after chronic exposure to alcohol.

Key words: Alcohol, Puberty, Sexual maturation, Genital grooming, Penile spines, Male rat, Preputial separation, Sex organs