The Possible Histological Defensive Effect of Vitamin C Against MSG Thymus toxicity of Adult Male Albino Rat

Abd EL HAFEZ, Amal Ali; Sarhan, Naglaa; Foda, Yassen; Al Ebs, Sadika; Oreby, Merfat Mondey

doi:10.21608/ejh.2022.119781.1640

The Possible Histological Defensive Effect of Vitamin C Against MSG Thymus toxicity of Adult Male Albino Rat

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Histology faculty of medicine Tanta university

² Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

³ Histology faculty of science Tanta University

⁴ Histology

⁵ Toxicology faculty of medicine Tanta University

10.21608/ejh.2022.119781.1640

Abstract

Introduction: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) as a flavour enhancer is still being widely used in a range of diet formulations. Several studies have recently revealed undesirable side effects of its long-term intake. The immune system is a potential target of toxicity following chemicals exposure. Thymus is a primary lymph organ which produces immunocompetent T cells. It enhances the maturation of lymphoid precursors into T cells to establish the T cell pool during life in human.
Aim of the Work: To evaluate the toxic effect of MSG on the thymus of adult male albino rat and the possible protecting role of vitamin C when administered concomitantly.
Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were used for this work and were divided randomly into four equal groups; Group 1 used as control, Group II received 100 mg/kg vitamin C, Group 3: received 3 g/kg MSG and Group 4 received both MSG and vitamin C concomitantly. Both drugs were given once daily orally. After 60 days the thymus glands were obtained and processed for histological, immunohistochemical using caspase 3, morphometric and statistical studies.
Results: MSG administration resulted in marked decrease in thymic cellularity with significant increase in caspase 3 positive cells in association with ultrastructural changes in the thymocytes and epithelial reticular cells. Concomitant administration of vitamin C with MSG reduced the previous histological alteration with decrease in caspase 3 positive cells.
Conclusion: Monosodium glutamate affects the histological structure of the thymus gland and its concomitant administration with vitamin C diminished its thymic toxicity.

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