Suppression of epithelial ion transport transcripts during pneumococcal acute otitis media in the rat

Until recently, it was not feasible to conduct genome-wide screening for gene transcript variations that play key roles in the pathogenesis of otitis media. In this study microarray technology was used to profile differential gene expression patterns from rat middle ear mucosa at 12 and 48 h after Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for independent verification of the microarray results. Three ion transport mRNAs were simultaneously suppressed more than 4-fold at 12 h in bacteria-challenged ears, including Na,K-ATPase alpha I subunit (SPATPa1), sodium channel beta 2 subunit (SCNB2) and sodium-hydrogen exchange protein isoform 2 subunit (NHE2). At 48 h after infection, the mRNA levels of SCNB2 and NHE2 had decreased 7- and 10-fold, respectively, whereas the relatively abundant SPATPa1 transcript showed recovery. The downregulation of Na(+)-transporting transcripts suggests a reduced number of epithelial cells and transporting proteins and/or the dysfunction of sodium transporters secondary to the bacterial infection. These changes can disrupt the coupling of the apical Na + entry and basolateral Na + extrusion, deplete the electrochemical Na+ transmembrane gradient, disrupt the intracellular osmotic equilibrium and lead to intracellular acidification and the accumulation of excess sodium, water and other organic and inorganic molecules in the middle ear cavity. Any or all of these changes may contribute to the initiation and persistence of middle ear mucosa inflammation and effusion during an episode of bacterial acute otitis media.