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[Microstructure of tympanic membrane in chronic otitis media: immunohistochemical evaluation]
Jerzy Kuczkowski1, Alicja Bakowska, Bogusław Mikaszewski
1Katedra i Klinika Chorób Uszu, Nosa, Gardła i Krtani AM w Gdańsku. jerzyk@amedec.amg.gda.pl
Abstract:
Chronic otitis media (COM) is an inflammatory process involving the middle ear mucosa and the tympanic membrane. The healing and epidermization is mostly impaired by immunological response of the host. Investigating the activity and the function of immunological response elements one can learn the immunological mechanisms taking place in chronic otitis media. The ultrastructural investigations of the tympanic membrane were done on its fragments obtained from 19 patients with COM during middle ear surgery, performed at ENT Department of Medical University of Gdańsk in the years 1997-1999. Immunohistochemical investigations were performed using monoclonal antibodies against tenascin, S-100 protein, Ki 67, CD 31, F VIII, HLA-DR, TGFbeta1 and EGFR. The control group was 11 healthy tympanic membranes from cadavers. The presence of tenascin was proven in all COM tympanic membranes and in 45.5% of those from control group. S-100 protein was present in 88.9% of the patients with COM and absent in control group. Ki 67 was observed in 44.4% of the patients with COM and in 27.3% of the healthy tympanic membranes. Angiogenesis factors (CD 31 and FVIII) were present in 77.8% of the investigated COM tympanic membranes, in control group in 45.5%. HLA-DR expression was observed in 90% COM patients, in control group in 72.7%. Growth factor TGFbeta1 was present in the all cases in mucous and fibrous layer and in 54.5% of healthy tympanic membranes. EGF receptor was present in 60% of COM patients, mainly in epithelial layer of tympanic membrane and in 54.5% of those from control group. The presented investigations confirm the immunological activity of tympanic membrane in chronic otitis media.
Insights
Chronic otitis media (COM) involves impaired healing due to host immune responses. This study investigated immune markers in COM tympanic membranes, revealing significant immunological activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic otitis media (COM) is characterized by middle ear inflammation, where host immunological responses impede healing and epidermization.
- Understanding the immunological mechanisms in COM is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity and function of immunological response elements in the tympanic membrane of patients with COM.
- To identify key immunological markers associated with the pathogenesis of COM.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural investigations of tympanic membrane fragments from 19 COM patients and 11 healthy cadaver controls.
- Immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies against tenascin, S-100 protein, Ki 67, CD 31, FVIII, HLA-DR, TGF-β1, and EGFR.
Main Results:
- Elevated presence of tenascin, S-100 protein, CD 31, FVIII, and HLA-DR in COM tympanic membranes compared to controls.
- TGF-β1 was found in all COM cases, while EGFR was predominantly in the epithelial layer.
- Ki 67 showed increased expression in COM patients.
Conclusions:
- The tympanic membrane exhibits significant immunological activity in chronic otitis media.
- Specific immune markers identified may play critical roles in the inflammatory and healing processes of COM.
