Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on Semen Quality and the Cytoarchitecture of the Testis of Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG ) is a widely used food additive and flavour enhancer. This study was conducted to determine the effects of monosodium glutamate on the micro-architecture of the testis and semen parameters of male Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 126-200g were randomly divided into five groups and varying doses of MSG solution was administered to the animals daily for 14 days: Group A: Control, received distilled water; Group B: received 250 mg/ml MSG; Group C: received 500 mg/ml MSG; Group D: received  1g/2ml MSG; and Group E: received 2 g/2ml MSG.

Results from the study revealed various degrees of alterations in both semen characteristics and testes of the treated adult Wistar rats. Abnormalities of semen characteristics which follow the consumption of monosodium glutamate is capable of causing impairment in male reproductive functions, and may propably be implicated in infertility. Hence, caution should be taken in the consumption of Monosodium glutamate.