Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on the Kidney of Male Adult Albino Rat and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C

Abstract
Background: Monosodium glutamate is used commercially as a food additive and is commonly marketed as a flavour enhancer. It is now used by most fast-food chains and in many food-stuffs, in particular, processed foods. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a very important and powerful antioxidant that works in aqueous environment of the body Vitamin C protects against common cold. Beneficial effects in conditions such as cancer, vascular disease, cataracts, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, Parkin-son's disease, autism and depression have also been suggested.
Aim of the Work: The aim of this study was to study the potential protective effect of Vitamin C on kidney damage caused by monosodium glutamate in adult male rats.
Material and Methods: Sixty adult albino rats were used. The animals were equally divided into three groups each of them consists of 20 rats: Group I: "Control" were given 1ml of saline daily by oral route "for one month. Group II: Were given monosodium glutamate (4gm/kg of body weight/day, dissolved in saline orally) for one month. Group III: Were given Vitamin C (500mg/kg of body weight /day, orally) then after 2 hours were given monosodium glutamate (4gm/kg of body weight/day, dissolved in saline orally) for one month.
At the end of the experiment, the rats were anaesthetized by ether then perfused with saline then with the appropriate fixator (formalin 10%). The abdomens were opened and the kidneys of the control and treated animals were extracted, cut, and processed for light and transmission electron micro-scopic studies.
Results: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) markedly de-structed glomeruli and tubules of the kidney at light and electron microscopic examination and morphmetric studies. Administration of Vitamin C could attenuate these changes.
Conclusion: MSG caused degenerative changes in the cortical glomeruli and tubules. On the addition of Vitamin C can decrease that toxic effects of MSG.