Effect of ethanol on expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in embryonic midbrain of mice

Objective To invest igate the effect of ethanol on the expression of enothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)in the central nerv ous system(CNS)of embryonic mice.Methods 1.0,2.0,4.0 and 8.0mg/ml ethanol were administrated respectively in vitro to mouse embryos from 8.5d to 10.5d.The development of embryonic CNS was evaluated according to standard scoring system.The mRNA and protein expressions of eNO S were evaluated by RT-PCR and western blot separately.Results The development of embr yonic CN S and the mR NA and protein expressions of eNOS were suppressed by ethanol exposure.Conclusion Suppression of eNOS might play a role in the terato genic action of ethanol in CN S.