Comparison of immune-mediated models of acute and chronic otitis media

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1990;247(4):247-51. doi: 10.1007/BF00178996.

Abstract

The distribution of immunoglobulin-bearing cells and the pattern of histopathological changes in the middle ear (ME) mucosa, round window membrane (RWM), and inner ear were compared during acute and chronic immune-mediated otitis media with effusion (OME) in the guinea pig as an animal model. In both acute and chronic immune responses (IRs), mucosal hyperplasia, edema, neovascularization, and cellular infiltration were observed. IgG+ cells were predominant in both the acute and chronic IRs. The number of IgA+ cells, however, increased in the mucosa and RWM during chronic IRs. Only the chronic IR resulted in gland formation within the ME and inflammation within the cochlea. These results indicate that the chronic IR was more similar to reports of clinical OME than the acute IR. The cochlear inflammation associated with chronic OME can lead to sensorineural hearing loss, as reported in clinical studies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Antibody-Producing Cells / pathology*
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Ear, Inner / pathology
  • Ear, Middle / pathology*
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hemocyanins / immunology
  • Immunization
  • Mucous Membrane / pathology
  • Otitis Media with Effusion / pathology*
  • Round Window, Ear / pathology

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Hemocyanins
  • keyhole-limpet hemocyanin