Effects of in utero exposure to monosodium glutamate on locomotion, anxiety, depression, memory and KCC2 expression in offspring

• Published in: International journal of developmental neuroscience 2022-02, Vol.82 (1), p.50-62
• Main Authors: Biney, Robert Peter, Djankpa, Francis Tanam, Osei, Silas Acheampong, Egbenya, Daniel Lawer, Aboagye, Benjamin, Karikari, Akua Afriyie, Ussif, Abdala, Wiafe, Gideon Akuamoah, Nuertey, David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anxiety - chemically induced; behaviour; Depression - chemically induced; Female; food additives; glutamate; Locomotion; Mice; neurodevelopmental toxicity; Pregnancy; Sodium Glutamate - toxicity; Symporters - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0736-5748; 1873-474X
• DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10158

In pregnancy, there is a significant risk for developing embryos to be adversely affected by everyday chemicals such as food additives and environmental toxins. In recent times, several studies have documented the detrimental effect of exposure to such chemicals on the behaviour and neurodevelopment of the offspring. This study evaluated the influence of the food additive, monosodium glutamate (MSG), on behaviour and development in mice. Pregnant dams were exposed to MSG 2 or 4 g/kg or distilled water from gestation day 10–20. On delivery, postnatal day 1 (PN 1), 3 pups were sacrificed and whole brain samples assayed for KCC2 expression by western blot. The remaining pups were housed until PN 43 before commencing behavioural assessment. Their weights were measured at birth and at 3 days intervals until PN 42. The impact of prenatal exposure to MSG on baseline exploratory, anxiety and depression behaviours as well as spatial and working memory was assessed. In utero exposure to 4 g/kg MSG significantly reduced exploratory drive and increased depression‐like behaviours but did not exert any significant impact on anxiety‐like behaviours (p