Changes in the structural organization of spleen during short-term exposure of monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate is one of the most common food additives in the world. Its effect on the organs of the immune system is not sufficiently studied. The article presents and analyzes the data of an experimental study conducted on 40 white male and female rats of reproductive age (2.5-3.5 months old) weighing 125-195 g. The purpose of the study was to study the histological, morphometric and ultrastructural changes of the spleen under conditions of exposure to monosodium glutamate for four weeks. An experimental group of animals (10 male rats, 10 female rats), which was on a standard vivarium diet, was given monosodium glutamate at a dose of 0.07 g/kg of rat body weight every day for four weeks. In animals of the intact group, the structure of the spleen corresponded to the species norm. In the experimental group of animals, after four weeks of exposure to monosodium glutamate, an immunoinducing effect was observed with increased proliferation of activated lymphocytes and their further differentiation into plasma cells. There is a significant increase in the relative area of the germinal centers of splenic lymphoid nodules and the outer diameter of the central artery of the spleen. Arteries with a thickened wall, their lumen is full of blood. Degeneratively changed erythrocytes are located around the vessels. The veins have a deformed shape, are dilated, the lumen is also full of blood. The share of active macrophages, apoptically changed cells increases. The red pulp is full-blooded, filled with hemosiderin. Therefore, even a short-term daily exposure to monosodium glutamate, namely four weeks, causes changes in the structural organization of the spleen.