The effect of chronic monosodium glutamate consumption on hippocampal dendrite morphology in Wistar and genetic absence epileptic (GAERS) rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a frequently employed artificial sweetener found in numerous food products. Studies have demonstrated that when MSG is administered, it can result in glutamate toxicity and the development of epilepsy in animals. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of orally administering MSG on hippocampal dendrite morphology in Wistar and genetic absence epileptic (GAERS) rats. The rats were divided into four groups: the Wistar control group, orally administered with NaCl (1.0 g/L NaCl) for 1 month (n=5), the GAERS control group, orally administered with NaCl (1.0 g/L NaCl) for 1 month (n=5), the Wistar MSG group, orally administered with MSG (1.0 g/L MSG) for 1 month (n=5) , and the GAERS MSG group, orally administered with MSG (1.0 g/L MSG) for 1 month (n=5). Rats were sacrificed, and brain tissues were stained using the FD Rapid GolgiStain Kit. Pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were examined with Neurolucida 360 software. The morphology of dendrites and dendritic spines was analyzed under the light microscope. In the preliminary study results, according to the administration of MSG, total dendrite length increased only in the Wistar group. The density of mushroom-type dendritic spines decreased; the density of thin-type dendritic spines increased in both strains. Chronic MSG consumption led to alterations in the dendrite morphology and the dendritic spine morphology of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.