Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on Purkinje Cells of the Cerebellum of Adult Albino Rats

Abstract

Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly used taste enhancer. It’s effect on the cerebellum of adult Albino rats were studied. Study design:  This is an experimental interventional study Place of study: The study was carried out in the Anatomy department of the University of Health Sciences Lahore. Period: The total duration of the experiment was fifteen days.  Methodology: The 30 rats, including both sexes, were divided in to three groups randomly and they were labeled as A, B and C. Each Group consisted 10 rats.  A served as control while B and C were experimental groups. Rats in groups B and C were given 3g and 6g of MSG respectively dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water by nasogastric tube. The control group (A) was given 10 ml of distilled water by the same route.  The rats were given normal diet and given water ad libitum. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the end of the experimental period and complete brain was carefully removed and weighed. The cerebellum was then dissected outweighed and 2-3mm² pieces were quickly fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde for routine histological study. Results: No change in the weight of the brain and cerebellum was observed. On histological examination no significant changes were observed in the count of Purkinje cells in experimental and control groups but there was a significant change in the inter Purkinje cell distance among these groups. Conclusion: On the basis of these findings we can say that MSG did not produce deleterious effect on the structure and function of the cerebellum of adult rat. Further studies in these directions are suggested.