ASSESSMENT OF HISTOARCHITECTURAL CHANGES IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS OF ADULT WISTAR RATS FOLLOWING CHRONIC ORAL MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE EXPOSURE

ABSTRACT Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer in the food industry. This study investigates the effects of varying doses of MSG on brain function and structure. Experimental groups of laboratory animals were administered moderate (300 mg/kg), and high (1000 mg/kg) doses of MSG over a period of 60 days. Behavioral assessments, including memory, anxiety, and were done to check for neuron degeneration tests. This research has illustrated that oral feeding with high doses of monosodium glutamate causes dose dependent moderate and high doses has led to notable increases in oxidative stress markers and neuro-inflammatory responses, also causing significant neurodegeneration in the hypothalamus of the adult Wistar rats. These have shown an increase in brain and body weight, mild, to severe neuronal degeneration, vacuolation, vascular congestion and reactive gliosis especially at the 1000mg/kg dose. Such changes are proved to be the clear sign of the MSG harmful impact on the hypothalamic integrity and systemic metabolism.