Loss of Contractility of the Uterus and Partial Atrophy of the Uterus and Ovaries in Albino Rats Fed Choline-deficient Diets

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Abstract
Two pregnant albino rats were placed at parturition on a choline-deficient diet for 39 days; 2 others received the same diet supplemented with choline. The litter of one died on the 1st day, while those of the other 3 survived the expt. Of the lactating rats, No. 1 received 30 mg., and No. 3 a supplement of 200 mg. of choline every 2d day. No. 2 and the nonlactating rat, No. 4, were given no choline supplements. Because of excess wt. loss, an extra supplement of 1 g. of dried brewer''s yeast and 5 g. of extracted casein were given every 2d day to all rats. At the end of the expt., adults and some members of the 3 litters were autopsied. The greatest difference prior to the termination of the expt. was the development of a yellow, oily condition of the hair of animals on the choline supplement. This occurred within 14 days on the 200 mg. supplement and a few days later in the litter. The same occurred on the 27th day with the 30 mg. supplement and shortly after in the litter. It was very marked in adults and litters by the 36th day. On transfer to a stock diet, the hair color and consistency returned to normal. The hair of the deficient rats remained normal. At autopsy, the chief difference was a complete lack of contractility of the uterus and partial atrophy of the uterus and ovaries in the choline-deficient rats. Uteri of rats receiving choline contracted upon exposure to air and upon mechanical stimulation; those of choline-deficient rats did not contract under any circumstances. In the latter group, the uterus and ovaries were undersized, their livers were pale and glistened with fat, and the kidneys were hemorrhagic. A similar condition was seen in the liver but not in the kidneys of members of their litters.

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