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.