ASSESSMENT OF RENAL HISTOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS FOLLOWING MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG) ADMINISTRATION IN WISTAR RATS

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer found in many processed foods. Although recognized as safe at regulated levels, emerging evidence indicates that high-dose MSG exposure may exert toxic effects on vital organs, particularly the kidneys, through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to assess the histological and hematological alterations in female Wistar rats following high-dose MSG administration, with particular emphasis on renal tissue integrity and immune response. Fourteen adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, and two experimental groups treated with 4 g/kg body weight MSG for 14 days. Renal tissues were harvested for histological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Hematological parameters including white blood cell count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were also assessed. Kidney weights were recorded as an anatomical indicator of potential organ damage. MSG administration led to significant reductions in total white blood cell counts, alongside a dose-dependent increase in neutrophil percentages, suggesting immunosuppression coupled with acute inflammatory responses. Histological examination of renal tissue revealed glomerular congestion, tubular degeneration, and interstitial inflammation in MSG-treated groups. No significant changes were observed in kidney weight. High-dose MSG exposure induces notable hematological and histological changes in female Wistar rats, indicating potential nephrotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. These findings underscore the need for caution in MSG consumption and call for further long-term studies to understand its implications for human health.