The relationship between glutamatergic and serotonergic receptors of neuroapoptotic cell death pathways in fetal alcohol syndrome

Abstract

As a broad spectrum expressing neurodevelopmental conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders involve alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and alcohol-related birth defects. The developing fetus may exhibit developmental abnormalities if exposed to ethanol, which is a well-known teratogenic factor. Studies done in recent years have revealed that ethanol as an antagonist of glutamatergic and serotonergic receptors triggers apoptosis through neuroapoptotic signaling pathways in the neurodevelopmental process. In this review, we present a general perspective on how neurodegenerative activity occurs in the FAS through N-metil-d-aspartat and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, and address contemporary studies done in this field.