Rheological and biochemical properties of middle ear effusions from experimental otitis media in cats

Both rheological and biochemical analyses were performed on middle ear effusions (MEEs) from cats with experimental otitis media with effusions (OME) induced by obstruction of the Eustachian tube. This study was undertaken in order to clarify the factors determining rheological properties (elasticity and viscosity) of MEEs. The viscoelasticity of the effusions had a positive significant correlation to fucose/total protein concentration (TPC), and a negative correlation to cathepsin B level/TPC. No correlation was observed between albumin level/TPC and viscoelasticity. These results indicate that in cats the rheological properties of MEEs depend on the level of secretory glycoproteins in MEEs and on the severity of inflammation in the early stage after tubal obstruction.