RESUMEN
The effect of Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was evaluated on hepatic functions and haematological parameters in adult Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomly assigned into four (4) groups of five rats each. Group 1 served as the control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed diets supplemented with MSG at doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0% per Kg of diet respectively. Following the 28 days of feeding, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for analyses. The haematological parameters except PCV were estimated using haematocytometer while the biochemical parameters were determined using Randox enzymatic kit. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in PCV, WBC, RBC, total protein, albumin, direct and conjugated bilirubin in the rats fed with MSG at all levels of supplementation when compared with the control group. The Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were increased with increase level of MSG and ranged from 35.00±0.17 - 59.00±1.23 U/L and 6.4-11.9 U/L respectively. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the levels of both serum ALP and ALT activities in the group fed 0.5% MSG when compared with the control group while there were significant (p>0.05) increase in the other treatment groups (1 and 5% MSG supplemented diets groups). The results therefore suggest that MSG at the levels of supplementation in the diets of the rats had no effect on the haematological indices but increased the liver function enzymes in the serum as the level of MSG increased in the diet.