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Histamine and secretory otitis media
Abstract:
Histamine, both free and cell associated, has been demonstrated in middle ear fluid from patients with secretory otitis media (SOM). Histamine, mainly free in solution, has also been shown to be present in nasopharyngeal secretions taken from close to the Eustachian tube openings into the nasopharynx. The adenoids from patients with middle ear effusion contained significantly (P less than 0.05) more histamine than those with no effusion. However, in preliminary experiments, we could demonstrate no differences in the histamine secretory response of adenoids from SOM and non-SOM patients to anti-immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE), house dust mite antigen and calcium inophore A23187 in vitro. These results support the hypothesis of an inflammatory basis for SOM.
Insights
Secretory otitis media (SOM) involves histamine in middle ear fluid and nasopharyngeal secretions. Adenoids in patients with middle ear effusion show higher histamine levels, suggesting inflammation plays a role in SOM.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Histamine is present in middle ear fluid and nasopharyngeal secretions of patients with secretory otitis media (SOM).
- Elevated histamine levels are found in adenoids of patients experiencing middle ear effusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of histamine in the pathophysiology of secretory otitis media.
- To explore the histamine content in adenoid tissue related to middle ear effusion.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of histamine in middle ear fluid, nasopharyngeal secretions, and adenoid tissues.
- In vitro assessment of histamine secretion from adenoid tissues in response to various stimuli (anti-IgE, mite antigen, A23187).
Main Results:
- Histamine was detected in middle ear fluid and nasopharyngeal secretions from SOM patients.
- Adenoids from patients with middle ear effusion had significantly higher histamine levels compared to controls.
- No significant differences were observed in the in vitro histamine secretory response of adenoids from SOM and non-SOM patients.
Conclusions:
- The findings support an inflammatory basis for secretory otitis media.
- Histamine accumulation in adenoids may contribute to the inflammatory processes in SOM.