title: Intratunical versus parenteral administration of methotrexate.
abstract: Methotrexate (MXT) distribution in serum, testicle and epididymis after administration into the tunica vaginalis cavity or intravenously was studied in 36 dogs. The dogs were divided into two equal groups: (1) an intratunical group in which 20 mg MXT solution was injected into the tunica vaginalis sac of each dog and (2) a parenteral group in which the same MXT dose was administered intravenously. The MXT concentration in serum, testicle and epididymis was determined 2, 4 and 24 h after MXT administration. Clinical and histologic examination of the tunica vaginalis was performed weekly for four consecutive weeks. The intratunical route, in contrast to the parenteral route, achieves a high MXT level in the testicle and epididymis with a low serum level, resulting in low toxicity and high drug efficacy. This route may therefore be suitable for a more effective treatment of testicular and epididymal lesions, notably malignant tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shafik
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007267:Injections; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate