Ameliorative role of tannic acid on monosodium glutamate-induced pancreatic toxicity on albino rats

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive which has several deleterious effects on different body organs. Tannic acid (TA) is naturally occurring antioxidants with several pharmacological properties. The present study was designed to study the toxic effects of MSG on the pancreas with the possible ameliorative role of TA. Forty male albino rats were used in this study in the form of four groups, 10 rats each. Group I, was the control group, fed on the standard diet, Group II received TA (100mg/kg), Group III received MSG (2g/kg) and Group IV received TA and MSG orally by gavage for 4weeks. Biochemical analysis revealed that MSG affected the pancreatic function by a significant increase in the serum levels of amylase and lipase enzymes, as well as, the blood sugar level (p 0.05). Histopathological examination showed severe destruction in the pancreatic architecture with hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the pancreatic islets as well as a decrease in the number of acinar cells in addition to congestion and dilation in the blood vessels. Co-administration of TA with MSG attenuated these effects; this role may be explained by its anti-oxidative effects that need future research to explain the mechanism of action. It is concluded that MSG has a deleterious effect on the pancreas functionally and morphologically and TA act as a good antioxidant agent against MSG toxicity.