Implantation loss induced by ethanolamine in the rat is ameliorated by a choline-supplemented diet

Abstract Ethanolamine (EA) reduced implantation success in a two-generation reproduction toxicity study; the aim of this work was to explore the underlying basis for this response. When administered to pregnant rats during gestation days (GD) 1–3, 4–5, or 6–7, EA had no effect upon implantation success. In a second experiment, EA was administered either in the diet or by oral gavage from two weeks prior to mating through to GD 8. Parallel groups also received a diet supplemented with choline. In the absence of supplementary choline, EA induced early resorptions, statistically significant only when administered in the diet. A slight reduction in implantation success was ameliorated by supplementary choline. We conclude that implantation is affected by EA only when exposure starts before mating; that dietary administration is more effective than gavage dosing; and that interference with choline homeostasis may play a role in the aetiology of this lesion.