Abstract

The study investigated the effects of acute systemic administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on novelty induced behaviours in male albino mice. The aim was to provide information on the neurobehavioural effects of a single i.p.(intraperitoneal) injection of MSG. Forty male swiss albino mice (age, 6 to 8 weeks; mean weight, 22.5 ± 2.5 g) were divided into four treatment groups (n = 10). Novelty induced behaviours that is horizontal locomotion (line crossing), rearing and grooming was carried out after intraperitoneal injection of varying doses of MSG (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/kg) or its vehicle (normal saline). Each parameter was measured over a thirty minute period of ten minute intervals. Statistical analysis was carried out using a one way ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keul’s test. Compared with the control mice, a single intraperitoneal injection of MSG significantly reduced locomotor and rearing activities as horizontal locomotion and rearing was found to be significantly lower at 1.5 mg/kg when compared to their respective controls; grooming showed an initial slight increase followed by a visual but progressive reduction. The study concluded that acute administration of monosodium glutamate has a retardant effect on novelty induced behaviors in male mice.

Key words: Monosodium glutamate, novelty induced behaviours.