The Effect of Oral Montelukast Administration in Cholesteatoma Development and Inflammation: An Experimental Animal Model.

Hypothesis We hypothesized that oral montelukast treatment could inhibit cholesteatoma formation in an experimental animal model. Background Inflammation and excessive proliferation have been described in the histopathology of cholesteatoma. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral montelukast on cholesteatoma development. Methods Eighteen healthy female Wistar albino rats weighing 250 g were chosen for the study. The animals were divided into two groups: group 1 received montelukast and group 2 was the control group. Intratympanic propylene glycol injection was administered into the left ears and physiologic serum was instilled into the right ears of the animals on the first, eighth, and fifteenth days. The effects of montelukast administration were evaluated by histological examination of the tympanic membrane and middle ear. Results Group 1 (montelukast group) showed significant differences in terms of cholesteatoma formation, granulation, epithelial invagination, and inflammation. Cholesteatoma formation in the left ear was observed in 2 (22%) and 8 (89%) rats in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.015). Conclusion Development of cholesteatoma and inflammation was significantly lower in the montelukast-administered group. Thus, oral montelukast was found effective in preventing cholesteatoma formation.