Influence of nasal allergic reactions on the clearance of middle ear effusion

In order to investigate the influence of nasal allergic reactions on the clearance of middle ear effusion, an animal model of nasal allergy and otitis media with effusion was produced in the same guinea pigs simultaneously by passive sensitization with serum of homologous animals containing IgE antibodies (for nasal allergy) and by inoculation of immunocomplex into the tympanic cavity (for otitis media with effusion). Usually, middle ear effusion appeared within 2 to 3 days and disappeared within 7 to 9 days after the inoculation of immunocomplex. Three days after the inoculation of immunocomplex, intranasal antigen challenge was performed three times daily and continued until the animals were killed. Disappearance of middle ear effusion appeared to be delayed in animals in which nasal allergic reactions were induced. Middle ear effusion was not found in those ears that were not inoculated with immunocomplex. Findings of the present study indicate that IgE-mediated allergic reactions of the mucous membrane lining the nose, nasopharynx, and eustachian tube constitute a factor indicative of a chronic state of disease, rather than a cause of otitis media with effusion.