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Measles virus in otosclerosis and the specific immune response of the inner ear
W Arnold1, H P Niedermeyer, N Lehn
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
Histologic and immunohistochemical studies of otosclerotic lesions have shown that there is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the otic capsule with bone resorption resulting from vascular invasion accompanied by inflammatory cells. During the active lytic stage of otosclerosis, paramyxoviral structures have been identified by electron microscopy and measles virus antigen expression by immunohistochemistry. Recently, measles virus related sequences have been detected in tissue of otosclerotic lesions. Because the otosclerotic focus has a close relation to the perilymphatic space, the expression of measles virus antigens within it should represent an immunologic challenge to the immune system of the endolymphatic sac. In this study, measles virus specific antibodies were detected in all of the perilymph samples from 19 patients suffering from otosclerosis, and the relative amount of these IgG antibodies was much higher than in serum samples of the same patients or in perilymph of control patients. These findings support the hypothesis that measles viruses play an crucial role in the pathogenesis of otosclerosis.
Insights
Measles virus antibodies were found in the inner ear fluid of all otosclerosis patients studied. This suggests measles virus infection may be a key factor in the development of otosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Oto-rhino-laryngology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Otosclerosis involves chronic inflammation and bone resorption in the otic capsule.
- Measles virus (MV) presence has been suggested in active otosclerosis lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of measles virus specific antibodies in the perilymph of otosclerosis patients.
Main Methods:
- Detection of measles virus specific IgG antibodies in perilymph and serum samples.
- Comparison between samples from otosclerosis patients and control subjects.
Main Results:
- Measles virus specific antibodies were detected in all perilymph samples from otosclerosis patients.
- Elevated levels of these IgG antibodies were observed in otosclerosis patient perilymph compared to serum and control perilymph.
Conclusions:
- The findings strongly support the hypothesis linking measles virus to the pathogenesis of otosclerosis.
- Measles virus infection may trigger an immune response contributing to otosclerosis development.