King Grub
2014-02-22, 10:10
The present study was designed to investigate in vivo effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (ASM) individually and in combination on the cognitive behaviour and biochemical parameters like neurotransmitters and oxidative stress indices in brain tissue. Forty male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into four groups of ten each and were exposed to MSG and ASM through drinking water for one month. Group I was the control and was given normal tap water. Group II and III received MSG (8mg/kg) and ASM (32mg/kg) respectively dissolved in tap water. Group IV received MSG and ASM together in the same doses. After the exposure period, the animals were subjected to cognitive behavioural tests in shuttle box and water maze. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and the neurotransmitters and oxidative stress indices were estimated in their forebrain tissue. Both MSG and ASM individually as well as in combination had significant disruptive effects on the cognitive responses, memory retention and learning capabilities of the mice in the order (MSG+ASM)>ASM>MSG. Furthermore, while MSG and ASM, individually were unable to alter the brain neurotransmitters and the oxidative stress indices, their combination dose (MSG+ASM) decreased significantly the levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) and also it caused oxidative stress by increasing the lipid peroxides measured in the form of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and decreasing the level of total glutathione (GSH). Further studies are required to evaluate the synergistic effects of MSG and ASM on the neurotransmitters and oxidative stress indices and their involvement in cognitive dysfunctions.
Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2014 Feb 17. pii: S0892-0362(14)00019-1. Cognitive and biochemical effects of monosodium glutamate and aspartame, administered individually and in combination in male albino mice.
Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2014 Feb 17. pii: S0892-0362(14)00019-1. Cognitive and biochemical effects of monosodium glutamate and aspartame, administered individually and in combination in male albino mice.