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Chronic serous otitis media: an immune complex disease.
Transactions. Section on Otolaryngology. American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
|March 1, 1977
Summary
Middle ear effusions in chronic serous otitis media contain immune complexes and a functional alternate complement pathway. These findings suggest immune complexes play a key role in the development of chronic serous otitis media.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Chronic serous otitis media (SOM) is characterized by middle ear effusions (MEE).
- Previous studies identified immunoglobulins, lysosomal enzymes, and complement components in MEE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further characterize the immunochemical and biochemical properties of MEE.
- To investigate the presence and function of the alternate complement pathway in MEE.
- To identify soluble immune complexes in MEE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of middle ear effusions (MEE) for complement components, including C3 proactivator (C3PA).
- Assessment of C3PA activation by common otitis media pathogens.
- Detection of soluble immune complexes using the Raji cell test.
Main Results:
- MEE contain C3 proactivator (C3PA), confirming a functional alternate complement pathway.
- C3PA in MEE can be activated by organisms associated with acute otitis media.
- Soluble immune complexes were detected in MEE.
Conclusions:
- The presence of activated C3PA and soluble immune complexes supports an immune complex-mediated pathogenesis for chronic SOM.
- These findings enhance our understanding of the immunobiology of chronic serous otitis media.