The results of our study indicate that binge-like exposure to alcohol during a third-trimester equivalent has a long-lasting effect that impacts distinct dendritic parts of individual pyramidal cells in the mPFC differently, and that its effect is evident in adolescent rats. AE animals have significantly shorter dendrites as well as less dendritic branching and bifurcations in basilar dendrites of Layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the mPFC. Furthermore, the ratio of mature versus immature spines in AE animals is significantly higher compared with those of both the SC and SI animals. However, there is no significant evidence that the overall density of dendritic spines, in basilar branches of cortical neurons, is affected by postnatal alcohol exposure.
