CHANGES IN THE PLASMA ELECTROLYTES OF FRESH WATER TELEOST FISH LABEO ROHITA EXPOSED TO SUBLETHAL CONCENTRATION OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG)

Abstract

Background: Extensive usage of MSG in numerous food products as taste enhancer, and continuous release of efuents from Feed additive industries pose a threat to aquatic organisms.MSG induced cellular damages were reported in laboratory animals but there were no reports of MSG induced stress to shes. Methods: Fish Labeo rohita exposed to sublethal concentration of MSG (150mg/L) for 15 days and plasma electrolytes level were estimated. Results: MSG is toxic to sh even in sub lethal concentration. Decrease in plasma electrolytes during initial exposure to MSG may be due to + + disturbances in the membrane permeability of gills or inhibition of Na K ATP-ase activity in the gills. Elevated plasma electrolytes in MSG exposed sh may be due to efux of ions from their tissues there by indicating severe imbalance in the osmoregulation phenomena. Conclusion: MSG is toxic to sh and caused severe osmotic imbalance. Prolonged consumption of MSG through food as well as MSG intoxicated sh may affect human health via ecological cycling and biological magnication and cause serious health hazards like susceptibility to infectious diseases and even cancer