The effect of monosodium glutamate on the cerebellar cortex of male albino rats and the protective role of vitamin C (histological and immunohistochemical study)

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a natural constituent of many foods and was reported to have neurotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible toxic effect of MSG on histological and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemical features of cerebellar cortex of albino rats and to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C against this effect. Thirty rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Group I, control; Group II, treated with 3 g/kg/day of MSG and Group III, received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin C simultaneously with MSG. After 14 days, cerebellar tissues were obtained and processed to prepare sections stained with H&E, toluidine blue. The GFAP was detected immunohistochemically. Histological examination of group II showed degenerative changes as pyknotic Purkinje and granule cells with areas of degeneration surrounded by inflammatory cells in granular layer. However, group III showed more preserved histological structure of cerebellar cortex. Statistical analysis of area percent of the GFAP immunoreaction among studied groups showed significant increase in group III when compared with group I and group II. However, a non significant increase was detected in group II when compared with group I. In conclusion, MSG has neurotoxic effect leading to degenerative changes in neurons and astrocytes in cerebellar cortex of albino rats and vitamin C supplementation could protect from these changes. Getting more attention to the constituents of food products is recommended and vitamin C could be advised to protect people from food oxidants additives.

Monosodium glutamate affects cognitive functions in male albino rats

“…The limit of added MSG to food products established by European Directive is 10 g/kg (1%) of product or prepared food (European Parliament and Council Directive, 1995). Hashem et al, 2012 in their study agreed with this study about the dangerous effects of MSG on brain, they concluded that MSG has neurotoxic effect leading to degenerative changes in neurons and astrocytes in cerebellar cortex of albino rats (Hashem et al, 2012).…”

Pulverized Mangifera Indica (mango) Seed kernel Mitigated Monosodium Glutamate-Intoxicated rats’ Kidney Histology and Bio-functions

“…Manal and Nawal [6] reported that vitamins C and E ameliorated MSG-induced adverse effects on rats' kidney functions. Also, vitamin C given simultaneously with MSG for 14 days protected against MSGinduced toxic effects in male albino rats [43]. Further studies are thus warranted as the results and the discussion thereto point to the apparent fundamentality of sodium in MSG-intoxication, antioxidant vitamins-related modulation and protective potential of the higher doses of mango seed kernel extract against MSGintoxication on the rats' kidney histology and bio-functions.…”

Monosodium Glutamate Toxic Effects and Their Implications for Human Intake: A Review

“…However, contradictory results in different brain areas have been found in male albino rats fed by a lower dose of MSG (3 g/kg/day) mixed with their foods for 14 days. Histological examination of cerebellar cortex showed degenerative changes as pyknotic Purkinje and granule cells with areas of degeneration surrounded by inflammatory cells in granular layer (Hashem et al 2012). …”

“…Vitamin C in a dose 100 mg/kg/day given via a metal orogastric tube simultaneously with MSG at a dose of 3 g/kg/day mixed with foods for 14 days has been shown to have a protective role against toxic nerve cell and astrocyte glial fibrillary acidic protein damage in cerebellar cortex in male albino rats (Hashem et al 2012). All vitamin C (200mg/kg), vitamin E (200 mg/kg) and quercetin (10 mg/kg) given perorally were effective in reduction of the MSG-induced increase in malondialdehyde, modulated gluthatione levels and glutathione-Stransferase activity and were effective in ameliorating the effects of MSG on the superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the liver, kidney and brain in MSG-treated rats (4 mg/g, intraperitoneally for 10 days).…”