Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine if binge ethanol consumption before ovulation affects oocyte quality, gene expression, and subsequent embryo development. DESIGN: Binge levels of ethanol were given twice weekly for 6 months, followed by a standard in vitro fertilization cycle and subsequent natural mating. SETTING: National primate research center. ANIMAL(S): Adult female rhesus monkeys. INTERVENTION(S): Binge levels of ethanol, given twice weekly for 6 months before a standard in vitro fertilization cycle with or without embryo culture. With in vivo development, ethanol treatment continued until pregnancy was identified. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Oocyte and cumulus/granulosa cell gene expression, embryo development to blastocyst, and pregnancy rate. RESULT(S): Embryo development in vitro was reduced; changes were found in oocyte and cumulus cell gene expression; and spontaneous abortion during very early gestation increased. CONCLUSION(S): This study provides evidence that binge drinking can affect the developmental potential of oocytes even after alcohol consumption has ceased.