Abstract
Background and Objective: Although mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) commonly used as food additive, application of higher doses or prolonged uses significantly leads to over accumulations in living cells and finally produces cellular toxicity. The aim of this study was to examine changes in the liver and kidneys of mice due to exposure to mono-sodium glutamate. Methodology: Cytotoxicity of aspartame was investigated histologically by using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stains. The animals received a mono-sodium glutamate with a dose of 360 mg kg(-1) b.wt., in drinking water for one month. Both liver and kidney tissues were subjected for histological analysis. Results: In mono-sodium Glutamate (MSG), treated mice at doses of 360 mg kg(-1)/day for one month, significantly increase in weight and fatty tissue around the bowels of mice was reported compared to normal controls (28.5 g vs. 19.7 g). Cellular toxicity of MSG showed significant changes in both liver and kidney tissues. Mild disturbance of liver architecture, small necrotic areas with mild vacuolation, enlarged and congested central vein with disturbed endothelial lining which and more lymphocytic infiltration and few inflammatory cells and accumulation of fat droplets were significantly reported in liver tissues treated with MSG. Also, hemorrhage, areas of necrosis and increased vacuolation with most atrophied cellular nuclei. In kidney tissues, glomeruli appeared with narrowing of the cavity, congestion, shrinkage, hemorrhage, decomposition, disa ppearance and swelling in most of tubules. In addition, largeareas of destruction with visible bleeding were estimated in most areas of renal tissue. Conclusion: This study concluded that mono-sodium glutamate produces more toxic effects on liver and kidney and considered as a major caustic effective agent against human health.