Related Experiment Videos
Glutamate and aspartate impair memory retention and damage hypothalamic neurons in adult mice
1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, MRC, Seoul National University, 28 Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
We examined the effects of systemic administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) or aspartate (ASP) on the memory retention and neuronal damage in the brains of adult mice. Compared with the control mice, a single intraperitoneal injection of either 4.0 mg/g MSG or 0.5 mg/g ASP after acquisition trial significantly shortened the response latency in the passive avoidance test, accompanying by the transient weight loss. Histopathological analysis of the brains of these mice revealed that neurons in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus were damaged markedly by MSG (4.0 mg/g) or ASP (0.5 mg/g). Other brain areas including cerebral cortex and hippocampus did not show any pathological changes. These findings suggest that systemic administration of MSG or ASP could impair memory retention and damage hypothalamic neurons in adult mice.
Insights
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartate (ASP) administration impaired memory retention in mice. Both substances caused damage to hypothalamic neurons, but not other brain regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurotoxicology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartate (ASP) are common food additives.
- Their potential neurotoxic effects and impact on cognitive functions require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of systemic MSG and ASP administration on memory retention.
- To assess the impact of MSG and ASP on neuronal integrity in the brains of adult mice.
Main Methods:
- Adult mice received single intraperitoneal injections of MSG (4.0 mg/g) or ASP (0.5 mg/g).
- Memory retention was evaluated using the passive avoidance test.
- Brain tissues were analyzed histopathologically to identify neuronal damage.
Main Results:
- MSG and ASP significantly reduced response latency in the passive avoidance test, indicating impaired memory retention.
- Histopathological examination revealed marked neuronal damage in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus.
- No significant pathological changes were observed in the cerebral cortex or hippocampus.
Conclusions:
- Systemic administration of MSG or ASP can negatively impact memory retention in adult mice.
- Hypothalamic neurons are particularly vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of MSG and ASP.
- These findings highlight potential risks associated with high systemic exposure to MSG and ASP.