Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on the kidney of adult wistar rats

Most food additives such as MSG globally known as AJINOMOTO are used as preservative or enhancer of palatability. This study assessed some of the effects of MSG on the Kidneys of the Adult wistar Rats. Both male and female rats (n=34) of average weight of 185-200g were randomly assaigned into 4 treatments (n=27) and Control (n=6) groups. The rats in the treatment groups daily received 3g and 6g/kg body weight of MSG for 14 days. The rats in Group A1 and B1 were sacrificed on the 15th day of the experiment while Group A2 and B2 were respective withdrawal groups for A1 and B1 sacrificed 14 days post-administration with Group C. The administration of MSG was withdrawn to ascertain if the wistar rats will recover from MSG effects. The histology findings revealed cellular injury in the treated groups as well as distortion of the Bowman's capsule. The biochemical evaluations (ALP and MDA) also showed a significant effect in relation to the histology findings. As a result of the cellular damage to the kidney and distortion of the Bowman's space due to the incomplete infiltration of this food additive-MSG, it can be concluded that the functions of the Kidney may be adversely affected.