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Bone resorption in chronic otitis media. A light-microscopical and histochemical investigation of acid phosphatase
Abstract:
As a continuation of our previous work, where we have demonstrated that in chronic otitis media the picture in the submucosa-bone marginal zone is dominated by capillary proliferation and occurrence of a mononuclear, histiocyte-like cell containing lysosome-like cytoplasmatic bodies, we now report the presence of considerable activity of acid phosphatase in close relation to the eroded bone. The activity was localized both extracellularly, spread along the bony surface, as well as intracellularly in mononuclear, histiocyte-like cells. The acid phosphatase is the "marker" enzyme for lysosomes, and cells with these lysosomes guarantee the presence of enzymatic activity capable of attacking bone collagen. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the lysosomes and their enzymes are directly involved in the processes of bone resorption.
Insights
In chronic otitis media, acid phosphatase activity in lysosomes of histiocyte-like cells is linked to eroded bone. This suggests lysosomes play a direct role in bone resorption during this condition.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Previous studies identified capillary proliferation and mononuclear cells with lysosomes in the submucosa-bone zone of chronic otitis media.
- These cells contained lysosome-like cytoplasmic bodies, suggesting potential enzymatic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity of acid phosphatase in relation to bone erosion in chronic otitis media.
- To determine the role of lysosomes and their enzymes in the bone resorption process.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical analysis of acid phosphatase activity in tissue samples from chronic otitis media.
- Localization of enzyme activity extracellularly and intracellularly.
Main Results:
- Significant acid phosphatase activity was observed near eroded bone in chronic otitis media.
- The enzyme activity was found both on the bone surface and within mononuclear, histiocyte-like cells.
- These cells contained lysosomes, indicating the presence of enzymes capable of degrading bone collagen.
Conclusions:
- Acid phosphatase, a marker enzyme for lysosomes, is actively present in the vicinity of bone erosion.
- The findings strongly suggest that lysosomes and their enzymatic content are directly implicated in the bone resorption occurring in chronic otitis media.