histological and ultrastructural study, on the effect of food flavours, [example monosodium glutamate] on oral epithelium in albino rats

ABSTRACT

This work was carried out to study the histological effect of monosodium glutamate [MSG] [a food flavor] on the oral epithelium in rats. The study included 15 adult albino male rats. They were divided into 2 groups Group I of 5 rats as a control group and Group II of 10 rats as a study group. The study group was given a daily oral dose of 4 gm monosodium glulamate [MSG]/ Kg body weight for a period of one week followed by 2 gm/Kg body weight every 48 hours for 10 weeks. Then the animals were sacrificed and parts from the palatal giniva of both groups were prepared to be examined by light and electron microscopes. The histological results of the study group revealed disturbances in the thickness of the epithelium, together with hyaline degenerative changes in some cases. Histochemical examination revealed weak reaction of cells to [EGF-R and Cytokeratin pan], compared to their controls. Ultrastructural examination showed altered ceil organelles, mitochondria decreased in number, distribution and number of tonofilaments were affected and condensed close to the nucleus. The nucleus was segregated clos faces in most cases surrounded by indistinct nuclear membrane. Chromatin was increased at the prephery in some cases. It was concluded that the use of MSG as a food flavor may lead to abnormal changes on oral epithelium. Therefore it is recommended to limit the uses of MSG as a food flavor. Abbreviations EGF-R epidermal growth factor. MSG Monosodium glutamate