author(s)
Noor H Al-Mousawi

abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of exposure to monosodium glutamate (MSG) on blood and biochemical parameters in 10 to 14 week old rats. The study was conducted at department of Biology - College of Education –Pure Sciences - University of Thi Qar from (10/1/2014- 10/2/2014). The animals were divided equally into two groups. The first group fed with the standard rat's diet, this group was considered as a control group, while the second group fed with standard rat's diet plus 5 g / kg of mono-sodium glutamate for 30 days. The results showed a significant decrease (p <0.05) in blood parameters, including RBCs count 5.1 ± 0.72, Hb concentration14.5 ± 0.33, PCV 45.5± 0.61, MCHC 34.0 ± 0.89 in animals treated with MSG compared with control group which indicate of anemia in animals treated with MSG. That there was a significant increase (p <0.05) in biochemical parameters AST 216 ± 14.8, ALT 3.6 ± 0.40, ALP 14.75 ± 6.55, which represent liver functions in animals treated with monosodium glutamate Compare with control group, though significant increase (p <0.05) in the level of serum urea and creatinine in animal treatment monosodium glutamate compared with the control group. The study suggests that monosodium glutamate, despite its flavoring functions, is considered harmful to health.