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Immunologic study on the inner ear. Immunoglobulins in perilymph
Summary
Immunoglobulin levels in inner ear fluid (perilymph) are higher than in cerebrospinal fluid. This suggests the inner ear
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- The inner ear's immune system is not well understood.
- Immunoglobulin composition of perilymph (PL) and its relation to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the immunoglobulin composition of perilymph.
- To investigate the transfer of serum antibodies to perilymph.
- To compare perilymph and cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin levels.
Main Methods:
- Electroimmunodiffusion was used to measure immunoglobulin composition in perilymph.
- Passive hemagglutination tests were performed to study antibody transfer from serum to perilymph.
- Experiments were conducted in chinchillas and guinea pigs.
Main Results:
- Mean IgG and albumin levels in perilymph were 2-4 times higher than in CSF.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) was detected in 93% of guinea pig perilymph samples but only 32% of CSF samples.
- Trace amounts of IgA were found in 50% of chinchilla perilymph samples, with only 15% in CSF samples.
- No Immunoglobulin M (IgM) was detected in either perilymph or CSF of either species.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of immunoglobulins in perilymph likely originates from perilymphatic blood vessels as a filtrate.
- The inner ear's immune system appears to be independent of the cerebrospinal fluid's immune system.