Microscopic changes in the pancreas at late stages after experimental exposure to monosodium glutamate.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To determine the structural reorganization of the pancreas at late stages after experimental MSG exposure.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

The study was performed on 20 sexually mature male rats. The experimental group received MSG orally at 70 mg/kg of body weight daily for 8 weeks. The control group was fed a standard diet without MSG. Decapitation was performed at week 18. Pancreatic tissues were collected for histological analysis and processed by standard methods.

RESULTS

Results

Ten weeks after MSG withdrawal, atrophic areas were detected in the exocrine parenchyma. Acini and pancreatocytes decreased in size. In the ductal epithelium, dystrophic and destructive changes were observed, including cytoplasmic metachromasia, nuclear pyknosis, eccentric localization, and karyorrhexis. Periductal sclerosis and pancreatic lipomatosis were recorded. Vascular walls were thickened and homogeneous due to edema and mucoid swelling. Capillaries were plethoric with stasis and occasional perivascular hemorrhages.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

At late stages after MSG exposure, marked alterations in pancreatic structure were revealed. Irreversible atrophic changes of exocrinocytes led to dysfunction of the gland, indicating the toxic effect of monosodium glutamate.