Nephrotoxic effect of MSG (monosodium glutamate) in the chicken.

In order to prove sodium toxicity of MSG, baby chicks known to be the most susceptible one to sodium chloride were chosen as the experimental animal. Almost isotonic solution of MSG, NaCI or monopotassium glutamate was given ad libitum as the sole source of drinking water. Two-day old chickens given MSG died of gout within a few days and showed higher mortality and lesions severer than those given physiological saline, while none died nor was weakened among those receiving monopotassium glutamate. Very rapid development of kidney lesions and a large amount of urate deposits were the two main features resulting from MSG ingestion, and primary histological changes were tubular degeneration and tophi obstruction in collecting ducts. Even at half concentration, MSG ingestion caused lobar atrophy in the kidney and some died of gout. Besides sodium toxicity, glutamate counterpart is suspected of contributing to uric acid synthesis.