Effects of montelukast on tendon healing in a murine model

Background: Tendon injury induces a local inflammatory response characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of montelukast sodium on the healing of tendons through histological and biomechanical evaluations. Methods: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received montelukast sodium (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24) that did not. Tendon injury was created in the Achilles tendon. The experimental group was injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 1 ml of 1 mg/kg montelukast sodium solution once a day prior to the surgery and during the experimental research. The control group was injected with saline solution. Two weeks later, eight rats in each group underwent a histological evaluation. In the fourth week, eight rats underwent a histological evaluation and the other eight rats went through a biomechanical evaluation. Results: Based on the histological evaluation in the second week, it was observed that the severity of the inflammation was less in the experimental group that received montelukast sodium (p < 0.05). In terms of the formation of collagen, no significant difference was observed between the groups in the second and fourth weeks. Tendon breaking loads were 33.2 ± 10.95 and 38.8 ± 10.90 N for the montelukast group and the control group, respectively. However, the difference between the groups was found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no negative effect on the healing of tendons due to injection of montelukast sodium. In addition, observing less inflammation in the experimental group in the earlier phase suggests that montelukast sodium may help in preventing tendon adhesion after reconstructive treatment. Level of Evidence: Not ratable.