Influence of the allergic response on the mucociliary system in the eustachian tube

The effect of systemic and local allergic responses on the mucociliary system of the Eustachian tube was investigated. Egg albumin was administered to guinea pigs via the jugular vein to evoke systemic anaphylaxis in animals previously sensitized with egg albumin. Ciliary activity in the Eustachian tube of sensitized animals was significantly higher than that of control animals. However, the mucociliary clearance time of the Eustachian tube in sensitized animals was significantly longer than in control animals. Local allergic response induced by intratympanic instillation of (BPO)61-BGG induced cilioexcitation and prolonged mucociliary clearance in the guinea pigs sensitized with BPO-BGG. A partial loss of the inner layer of the mucus blanket of the Eustachian tube was observed under electron microscopy. In conclusion, the systemic as well as the local allergic response accelerates ciliary activity but may affect the mucus blanket and induce mucociliary dysfunction in the Eustachian tube, resulting in a predisposition to middle ear diseases.