Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Rapid Quantification of Oxidized and Reduced Forms of Glutathione Using Ortho -phthalaldehyde in Cultured Mammalian Cells In Vitro
Published on: June 28, 2024
Effect of monosodium glutamate on oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat thymus
Voja Pavlovic1, Dusica Pavlovic, Gordana Kocic
1Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty University of Nis, Bulevar dr Zorana Djindjica, Nis, Serbia. vojapav@yahoo.com
Abstract:
It has been demonstrated that administration of high concentrations of monosodium glutamate (MSG), induce oxidative stress in different organs, but not in thymus. In the present study we examined the role of oxidative stress in MSG-induced thymocyte apoptosis. MSG was administrated intraperitoneally (4 mg/g of body weight) for six consecutive days. Animals were sacrificed at 1st, 7th, and 15th day after last MSG dose. MSG administration to animals significantly increased apoptotic rate of thymocytes (P < 0.01), together with significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level (P < 0.001) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity (P < 0.01), in time dependent manner. Catalase activity, during examination period, was significantly decreased (0 < 0.01). Obtained results showed that MSG treatment induced oxidative stress in thymus, which may have an important role in thymocyte apoptosis induced by MSG.
Insights
High doses of monosodium glutamate (MSG) trigger oxidative stress and thymocyte apoptosis in the thymus. This study confirms MSG's role in inducing thymocyte apoptosis through oxidative stress mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is known to induce oxidative stress in various organs.
- Previous research indicated that the thymus is not affected by MSG-induced oxidative stress.
- The specific mechanisms of MSG's impact on thymocytes require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of oxidative stress in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced thymocyte apoptosis.
- To determine the time-dependent effects of MSG administration on thymocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress markers.
Main Methods:
- Adult animals were administered MSG intraperitoneally at a dose of 4 mg/g body weight for six consecutive days.
- Thymocytes were analyzed for apoptosis rates, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, and catalase activity at 1, 7, and 15 days post-treatment.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess the significance of observed changes.
Main Results:
- MSG administration significantly increased thymocyte apoptosis rates (P < 0.01) in a time-dependent manner.
- Significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < 0.001) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity (P < 0.01) were observed, indicating elevated oxidative stress.
- Catalase activity was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) during the examination period, further supporting the induction of oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- MSG treatment induces significant oxidative stress within the thymus.
- The induced oxidative stress in the thymus plays a crucial role in MSG-mediated thymocyte apoptosis.
- These findings highlight a potential mechanism for MSG toxicity affecting immune function.