Asuman Golgeli
Erciyes University, Turkey
Title: Evaluation of monosodium L-glutamate effects on behavior, addiction, pain threshold, reference and working memory in male and female rats
Biography
Biography: Asuman Golgeli
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a major flavor enhancer used as a food additive. It’s toxic effects causes a defect in apoptosis,learning and memory mechanisms.In the previous studies, it’s effects on behaviour change, addiction, pain threshold, reference and working memory is insufficient. Therefore in our study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of MSG on anxiety, locomotor activity, addictive behavior, pain threshold, memory and some blood parameters in male and female rats over a long period of time.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Experimental group had MSG added to their tap water for 12 weeks ( 250 mg/ kg MSG/ 0.5 L). Control group had only water.After 12 weeks behavioral parameters were evaluated in an open field apparatus. Reference and working memory were evaluated in three panel runway test. Pain threshold was measured by hot plate tail flick and von Frey filament tests. Addictive behaviors were evaluated in conditioned place prefererence test. Anxiety and panic behavior by elevated T-maze.
Findings: MSG consumption significantly increases locomotor activity in male and female rats. Significant delay in hot plate test paw licking behavior and tail withdrawal behavior in tail flick test (p<0.001), a significant decrease in their body weight and the amount of food consumed(p<0.05), reference and working memory negatively (p<0.05) effected in MSG group, in conditioned place preference test time spent on target region “MSG with water “ as to non-target “ no substance“ is significantly greater (p<0.05).The blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels increased (p<0.05) in rats consuming MSG.
Conclusion & Significance: 12 weeks of consuming tap water with MSG has negative effects; increased locomotor activity, curiosity behavior, pain threshold caused anxiety, panic, addictive behavior. Glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride levels are elevated. Effects were observed regardless of gender. By studying cognitive function and addiction of the median eminence, and relating them to reproductive status, we are able to increase our understanding of the potential role of the hypothalamus in reproductive senescence in female mammals.