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medical journal of histology
Cairo University, Faculty of Medicine
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Abstract: |
Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is food additive, has effects on cerebellar cortex. It induces
oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant capabilities. The health benefits of vitamin C are derived from its
role in a number of key pathways within the immune system. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of
MSG on the rat cerebellar cortex with the possible protective role of vitamin C. Material and Methods:
Twenty-one new-born and twenty-one 20-day-old of suckling male albino rats were randomly divided into
three groups in each age group. There were control groups (n=9); MSG-treated groups (n=6), in which the
animals were treated with MSG 4 gk/g body weight ; and MSG + vitamin C treatment groups (n=6) , in which
the animals were treated with MSG 4 g/kg body weight and vitamin C 500 mg/kg orally. After ten days from
the beginning of the experiment, the animals were anaesthetized by thiopental sodium. Cerebellar specimens
were obtained, and then, processed for both light and electron microscopic examination. Results: MSG
administration resulted degenerative changes of neurons, observed in the 10-day-old group, and Purkinje cell
loss, in the 30-day-old group, Purkinje layer showed multiple focal areas of loss, dark irregular cells with
marked ultrastructural abnormalities. GFAP showed good evidence of gliosis in the MSG-treated groups.
Fortunately, co-administration of vitamin C reduced these effects. In conclusion, MSG has neurodegenerative
effect on cerebellar cortex and vitamin C supplementation could protect from neurotoxic effect of MSG.
Keywords: Albino rats, cerebellar cortex, monosodium glutamate, vitamin C, oxidative stress,
microanatomy.
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