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

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.