Human embryonic stem cell model of ethanol-mediated early developmental toxicity

► Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) proliferate when exposed to 20 mM ethanol. ► Neuroblasts differentiated from hESC also proliferate in response to 20 mM ethanol. ► Undifferentiated hESC express mRNA for all GABAA receptor subtypes. ► GFAP is reduced in differentiated hESC, suggesting less astrocyte differentiation.