Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (CAS No. 111-77-3) had been studied via dermal application in pregnant rabbits in a probe study. Doses of 100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg/day were applied to the backs of groups of 10 inseminated New Zealand white rabbits on days 6 through 18 of gestation. A control group was similarly dosed with water. Rabbits were sacrificed on day 19 and examined. At the highest dose 3 animals died or were moribund and were sacrificed. Remaining animals showed decreased weight gain, decreased ingestion and decreased abdominal adipose tissues or the presence of inanition-induced gastric lesions. Embryotoxicity was indicated at the highest dose since 46% of implantations were resorbed compared to 4% in control animals although the groups were too small for valid statistical analysis. The lower dose groups did not show any maternal or embryonal toxicity and none of the doses resulted in skin irritation.