A Histomorphometric Study of the Effect of Monosodium Glutamate on the Ileum of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective role of Vitamin E

Background Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used food-additives in commercial foods. Its application has increased over time and it is found in many different ingredients and processed foods obtainable in every market or grocery store. Besides its flavor enhancing effects, MSG has been associated with various forms of toxicity. Aim of the work The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of monosodium glutamate on the histology of the ileum of the adult male albino rats and evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E. Material and methods 30 Adult male albino rats were assigned randomly into three groups; control group, it was further subdivided into three subgroups (IA received no treatment, IB received 2 ml olive oil/day, and IC received 400 IU/kg. BW of Vitamin E dissolved in 2 ml olive oil once daily), MSG group (rats fed 2mg/kg. BW of MSG once daily, orally), and vitamin E treated group (rats fed MSG and received concomitant 400 IU/kg/day vitamin E orally). Weight of rats were measured at the start & end of experiment. At the end of experiment (15 days), rats were euthanized, and ileal specimens were processed into paraffin blocks for light microscopic examination and other specimens were processed into scanning electron microscopic examination. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were done. Results The present work demonstrated that MSG induced several histopathological changes of the ileum. Broad, fused villi sloughed epithelial cells and pronounced increase in the number of goblet cells. Massive lymphocyte infiltration and hemorrhage was noticed in the lamina propria. Enterocytes lining crypts showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, pale nuclear staining and loss of demarcation between adjacent cells. Increased villus width, goblet cell and lymphocytes numbers was demonstrated by histomorphometry. Vitamin E treated group showed histopathological findings mostly normalized compared with MSG group. Width and length of villi was reduced, enterocytes appeared healthy and well arranged, reduced inflammatory cell infiltrate and vascular congestion and decreased number of goblet cells was observed. Conclusion The present results demonstrated deleterious effects of MSG on the structure of the mucosa of the ileum. It also suggested a novel and favorable protective effect of vitamin E on mucosa of the ileum.