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Cytokines in experimental otitis media with effusion
M D Johnson1, J E Fitzgerald, G Leonard
1Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.
The Laryngoscope
|February 1, 1994
Summary
This study shows that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) correlates with middle ear effusions, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) levels increase with bacterial presence in a chinchilla model for otitis media with effusion (OME).
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Inflammatory cytokines like IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha are present in human middle ear effusions.
- The clinical significance of these cytokines in otitis media with effusion (OME) is not fully understood due to limitations in human studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cytokines in OME using a chinchilla model.
- To determine if cytokine expression correlates with specific pathological conditions in OME.
Main Methods:
- Surgically induced eustachian tube blockage in 30 chinchillas to create middle ear effusions.
- Middle ear clefts were injected with Streptococcus pneumoniae, saline, or left uninjected.
- Middle ear effusions were analyzed for IL-1 beta and TNF alpha using ELISA.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between IL-1 beta and the presence of middle ear effusions (P < .001).
- Elevated TNF alpha levels correlated with the presence of bacterial components (P < .001).
- Mean TNF alpha levels were 108 pg/mL in bacteria-injected ears, 10.8 pg/mL in saline-injected ears, and 0 pg/mL in non-injected ears.
Conclusions:
- Cytokine expression in middle ear effusions may relate to specific pathological conditions.
- The chinchilla model is suitable for further research into the role of cytokines in OME.