Histological effect of high-doses of monosodium glutamate on the liver of adult Wistar rat

Abstract

This study determined the high-dosage effect of oral administration of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) on body weight and liver histology using 25 adult Wistar rats of both sexes and weighing between 140g – 160g (22.36g). The rats were subdivided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E; n=5 each) and allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks with free access to feed and water ad libitum. After acclimatization, test groups (B - E) received graded doses of MSG in the following order: 20mg, 40mg, 80mg, 120mg and 160mg/day for 4 weeks respectively. The weights of the Wistar rats before and after acclimatization, and after each week of administration of MSG, were appropriately recorded. At the end of the 4-week MSG administration, the liver tissues of the rats were harvested for histology using routine methods. The results showed that test group B liver sections presented no changes in liver architecture as compared to the control group. However, test group C presented vacuolations, while D and E presented degenerative changes in the form of interstitial, sinusoidal congestion and increased basophilia; suggesting that excessive consumption of MSG over time, will adversely affect the liver, while showing no relationship between MSG and weight gain.