Short-Term Effects of the Anti-Asthmatic Drug, Montelukast, in Female Rats

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. Rising asthma rates have fuelled a demand for more effort to focus on the possible effects of antiasthma therapies. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist was shown to be an essential mediator of asthma. It has a dual mechanism of action, acting as a bronchodilator and antiinflammatory. However, such therapy is associated with harmful effects. This study aimed to determine the short term effects following montelukast treatment. A total of twenty female rats were assigned into two equal groups. The control group received vehicle 0.2 ml of saline solution (0.9%), while the treated group received 10 mg/kg/day of montelukast diluted in saline solution 0.9% for five consecutive days. The haematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were studied. There were no significant differences in haematological analysis and liver enzymes compared with control group. However, there were significant reductions in the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein compared with control group. Also, several histopathological alterations in rat liver tissues and kidney following montelukast treatment were observed. In conclusion, montelukast has harmful effects even after short treatment periods.