Effect of Monosodium Glutamate Orally Administered to Male Wister Rats on Some Biochemical Parameters

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) of brand name “Ajinomoto” was purchased from Nsukka Market and was administered to wistar rat. Twenty four wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups housed in different cages.  The rats were administered with varying doses (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg body weights) of MSG. The effect on some haematological parameters; WBC, PCV, Hb, sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (K+) blood urea nitrogen (BUN) chloride ion (Cl-) creatinine (Cr2+), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) were investigated. There was an insignificant difference (P > 0.05) in PCV, Hb and WBC levels of the test groups, compared with the control group. The serum electrolyte; creatinine (Cr2+), of the group administered 1500mg/kg body weight of MSG showed significant difference (P<0.05), when compared with control while other serum electrolytes sodium, potassium, urea, carbonate and chloride showed no difference (P>0.05). Keywords: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), “Ajinomoto”, Serum electrolytes, haematological parameter