Effects of cysteinyl-leukotriene receptors' antagonism by montelukast on lung mechanics and olfactory system histology in healthy mice.

CONTEXT: At variance with steroid administration, the possible effects of leukotrienes inhibition on basal respiratory mechanics and olfactory system function are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if interference with the leukotrienes activity may influence basal lung mechanics in healthy mammals, as well as the olfactory system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured lung mechanics by the end-inflation occlusion method in control and in montelukast i.p. treated anaesthetised healthy mice (10 mg/kg/die for a week). A study of olfactory system histology was also conducted. RESULTS: Elastance and resistive properties of the lung were not affected by montelukast, while a significant increment of lung hysteresis was observed. The analysis of olfactory system histology revealed no significant effects of montelukast compared to controls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Leukotrienes' antagonism does not affect respiratory mechanics in basal conditions, except for a hysteresis increment, which might counteract the increase in expiratory flow in asthmatic subjects assuming montelukast.