Sperm Concentration and its Acrosome Status of Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: This present study was aimed to investigate the sensitivity of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and the sperm acrosome reaction to monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) in rats.

Method: Rats were divided into four groups and each group treated group was fed with non-acidic MSG at 0.25, 3, or 6 g/KgBW for 30 days or without MSG. Possible morphological changes in male reproductive organs were studies.  In addition, the sperm concentration and acrosome reaction status were assayed.

Result: When compared to the control without administration of MSG, no significant changes were discerned in gross morphology and weights of testes.  In contrast, significant decreases were detected in the weight of epididymis plus vas deferens and sperm concentration of rats treated with 6 g/KgBW of MSG.  In addition, the weight loss was evident in the seminal vesicle in all groups of MSG-administered rats.  In the 6 g/KgBW of MSG group, the sperm concentration was significantly decreased, compared with the control or two lower dose MSG groups.  In the acrosome reaction assays, there was no statistically significant difference among MSG-rats and normal rats.

Conclusion: High dose MSG decreased sperm concentration and the weight of epididymis plus vas deferens and seminal vesicle while it did not affect acrosome reaction in rats.

Key word: Monosodium L-glutamate (MSG, epididymis plus vas deferens, seminal vesicle, sperm acrosome reaction