Home » Chapter 3: Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Brain Development and Post-Natal Function » Neurotransmitter Systems Important in Neuropsychological and Behavioral Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Neurotransmitter Systems Important in Neuropsychological and Behavioral Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

brain-emotionsEven in the presence of normal brain structure, faulty development of neurotransmitter systems can cause profound effects on neurological and mental health. As shown below, the neurotransmitter systems are developed during the 1st and 2nd trimesters. Alcohol exposure during the time that these neurotransmitter systems are developing can cause faulty function post-natally. Because it is difficult to “see” faulty neurotransmitter systems in the same way one can “see” damage to brain structures, its importance is often overlooked. However, newer techniques, such as PET (positron emission tomography), have enabled scientists to measure neurotransmitter receptor activity in living human brains. Disruption in neurotransmitter systems can be linked to specific neurological and mental dysfunction typical in FASD children. Several examples are provided below:

 

Neurotransmitter table1