Effect of monosodium glutamate on the ovaries of adult female albino rats and the possible protective role of green tea

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the ovaries of adult female albino rats and the possible protective role of green tea.BackgroundMSG is a commonly used food additive. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of anovulatory infertility.Materials and methodsA total of 35 female adult albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into four groups: groups I-IV. Group I was the control group. In group II (MSG treated) 10 rats were treated with MSG at a dose of 4 mg/g body weight by subcutaneous injection daily for 14 days. The rats were killed 24 h after MSG treatment. In group III [combined green tea extract (GTE) and MSG treated] 10 rats were treated with GTE and MSG for 14 days. MSG was given at the same dose as that in group II and GTE was given at 300 mg/kg body weight orally daily. The rats were killed 24 h after MSG and GTE treatment. In group IV (GTE treated) five adult rats were treated with GTE only for 14 days and then killed.ResultsMSG-treated rats showed degenerative changes of the ovary with many atretic follicles. The stroma appeared vacuolated. The medulla showed multiple vacuoles with congested blood vessels. However, combined treatment of GTE and MSG in group III showed amelioration of the histological changes in the ovary.ConclusionIt has been concluded that GTE improves the histological changes caused by MSG in the ovary.