REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF MICE ADMINISTERED VARIED CONCENTRATIONS OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE

Abstract

                   

The impact of varied concentrations of monosodium glutamate (MSG) - a food additive, on the reproductive performance of mice was evaluated using 96 mice -28 males and 68 females, divided into four groups (n = 7 males and 17 females per treatment). Group I received no MSG, group 2 received I mg, group 3 received 2 mg, and group 4 received 4 Ing per gm body weight of 40% aqueous solution of MSG every 48 hrs for six weeks, constituting treatment groups A, B, C, and D. After the sixth week, 15 female mice selected from each treatment were randomly allotted to three male mice of corresponding treatment for multiple mating for 48 hrs. The female mice from each treatment group were monitored through gestation after confirmation of copulation using plug as an index of mating. The conception rate and gestation length increased while the mean live weight of pups decreased with increase in the concentrations of MSG administered. Compared with the weights of pups from the control, the weight of pups from mice in treatment groups B and C decreased by 10.66 and 26%, respectively. The conception rate and the average number of pups decreased significantly (P<0.05) at 2mg of MSG/g BW compared to the control and those administered I mg of MSG/g B W. The gestation length increased significantly (P<0.05) at 21ng of MSG/g BW (treatment C). Dead pups were recorded from mice administered 2mg of MSG/g B W. The result also showed that female mice administered 4mg of MSG/g BW did not give birth. The study revealed that high levels of MSG had adverse effect on the reproductive processes in the laboratory animal. The consumption of MSG, though a flavour enhancer food additive, should be reconsidered taking into account its potential adverse effects on reproductive processes.