Montelukast protects against testes ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Introduction: In this study, we investigate the effect of montelukast on histologic damage induced by testicular torsion-detorsion in rats.

Methods: Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into 3 groups, each containing 7 rats. A sham operation was performed in group 1 (control). In group 2 (ischemia-reperfusion [IR]/untreated), 1-hour detorsion of the testis was performed after 6 hours of unilateral testicular torsion. In group 3 (I-R/dextroamphetamine), after performing the same surgical procedures as in group 2, montelukast was given intraperitoneally. In all experimental rats, ipsilateral orchiectomies were performed for histological examination and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione and myeloperoxidase assays.

Results: Montelukast treatment significantly decreased the I-R-induced elevation in testes tissue MDA and glutathione levels were found to be preserved. The level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was significantly increased in the testes tissue of the IR/untreated group. However, in I-R/montelukast treatment group significantly decreased testes tissue MPO level. Histopathologically, the in the group 2 rats, edema, congestion, hemorrhage between seminiferous tubules and necrosis of the germinal cells were predominant features in sections. However, most of the specimens in the montelukast treated group 3 showed grades-I and II injury. Additionally, the testicular injury score was lower in group 3 rats compared with group 2.

Conclusion: The current findings demonstrate that the montelukast decreased the severity of testicular injury by reversing the oxidative effects of testes I-R.