Effects of pressure on bone resorption in the middle ear of rats

Laminaria, a hygroscopic seaweed, was used to induce pressure within the rat tympanic cavity. Resorption of the bulla and cochlear walls occurred in all animals within 2 weeks. Cochlear fistulas were observed in four of nine animals after 2 weeks and in nine of 11 animals after 3 weeks. Preswelled laminaria inserted in the same area induced minimal bone resorption after 2 and 3 weeks. In animals given indomethacin following insertion of laminaria, both granulation-tissue formation and bone resorption were inhibited. Collagenase appeared localized in the inflammatory granulation tissue in the bone-resorption area, especially in fibroblasts, mononuclear cells, and osteoclasts. Results of this study suggested that pressure created by laminaria caused bone resorption by stimulating osteoclasts and granulation tissue.