In:
Oto-Rhino-Laryngologia Nova, S. Karger AG, Vol. 10, No. 6 ( 2000), p. 269-276
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Objectives: 〈 /i 〉 The endolymphatic sac (ES) is presumed to be involved in immune response in the inner ear. The ES has been shown to respond immunologically to an antigen instilled into the scala tympani. 〈 i 〉 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 〈 /i 〉 exotoxin A (PaExoA) is known to pass the round window membrane and to cause cochlear functional impairment. Does the ES in the inner ear respond immunologically to exotoxin exposed in the middle ear? 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 In the present study, the ES was examined morphologically after application of PaExoA in the middle ear of the rat. The ES changes were correlated with electrophysiological results using ABR measurements. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 In 18 out of 32 exposed ES we found signs of inflammatory activity with raised numbers of intraluminal macrophages together with signs of epithelial alterations. There were also changes in character and stainability of the intraluminal glycoprotein conjugates. 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 The ES changes may either be due to a direct exposure of toxin to the ES or possibly represent the expression of an augmented general response in the inner ear. These findings are similar to earlier descriptions of changes in the ES after experimental labyrinthitis. This is the first presentation showing altered ES activity following middle ear application of exotoxin.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1014-8221
,
1423-0283
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2000
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1483536-8
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