Serrio biocamical efects of monosodium glutamate On wistar albino rats

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the toxic effects of Monosodium glutamate (MSG) on Wistar albino rats. Twenty rats were divided into fourgroups, five rats each, one group was left as control and the other groups weretreated with three different levels of MSG (120, 240, 480 mg/kg body weight). Clinical symptoms throughout the experimental period which lasted for 28 days were recorded. Body weights, relative organs weight, some serum constituents and haematological changes beside histopathology of liver and brain were measured. Higher levels of MSG showed paralysis in one leg, dizziness, hyperactivity and disorientation which reflected disturbances in the Central Nervous System. The results indicated that MSG had no significant effects on body weight and relative weight of livers and kidneys, and haematological values. Higher levels of MSG resulted in significant increase in activity of transeaminase enzymes and significant decrease in total protein concentration. Histopathological examination of the liver showed degeneration and vaculation of hepatocytes beside dilation of sinosoids, while brain tissue showed congestion, oedema around the neurons, vaculation and neuronal necrosis. This results prove that MSG has a toxic effects on liver and brain tissues. The toxicity increase whenever the rate of the salt increased too. This study recommends that the necessity of avoiding the use of MSG as additive compress to human and animals`food because o f toxic effects of this salt