Comparative disposition of dimethylaminoethanol and choline in rats and mice following oral or intravenous administration

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) and its salts have been used to treat numerous disorders in humans and hence safety of its use is a concern. DMAE is a close structural analog of choline, an essential nutrient. Exposure to DMAE may affect choline uptake and synthesis. The current investigation characterizes: 1) the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of DMAE in Wistar Han rats and B6C3F1 mice following a single gavage or intravenous (IV) administration of 10, 100 or 500 mg/kg [14C]DMAE, and 2) the ADME of [14C]choline (160 mg/kg) and the effect on its disposition following pre-treatment with DMAE (100 or 500 mg/kg). In both rats and mice, following gavage administration, DMAE was excreted in urine (16–69%) and as exhaled CO2 (3–22%). The tissue retention was moderate (21–44%); however, the brain concentrations were low and there was no accumulation. Serum choline levels were not elevated following administration of DMAE. The DMAE metabolites in urine were DMAE N-oxide and N,N-dimethylglycine; the carcinogen, N-N-dimethylnitrosamine, was not detected. The pattern of disposition of [14C]choline following gavage administration was similar to that of [14C]DMAE. Prior treatment with DMAE had minimal effects on choline disposition. The pattern of disposition of [14C]DMAE and [14C]choline following IV administration was similar to gavage administration. There were minimal dose-, sex- or species-related effects following gavage or IV administration of [14C]DMAE or [14C]choline. Data from the current study did not support previous reports that: 1) DMAE alters choline uptake and distribution, or 2) that DMAE is converted into choline in vivo. •Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a close structural analog of choline.•This work describes disposition of DMAE and effects of DMAE on choline disposition.•DMAE and choline were well absorbed in rodents with moderate tissue retention.•Serum choline levels were not elevated following DMAE administration.•Pretreatment with DMAE had minimal effects on choline disposition.