Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and its Effects on Hippocampal Anatomy and Function

This new book provides evidence in support of the hypothesis that prenatal alcohol/ethanol exposure (PAE) interferes with normal development and function of the hippocampus. The hippocampus is viewed as a target for early (prenatal) aversive events, such as PAE. Early life events are complex and interact with genetic factors in a manner which is not yet fully understood but which can profoundly change the structure and function of the hippocampus. This is not surprising as the hippocampus plays a crucial role not only in learning, memory storage and retrieval but also in controlling the stress response.