Mechanisms of otitis media development. Involvement of neurogenic inflammation.
The mucosal lining of the middle ear cavity, in particular that of the tympanic membrane and its pars flaccida, exhibits a number of sensory nerves containing the neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The mucosa is not only rich in nerves and blood vessels but also contains numerous mast cells. It is possible that interactions between histamine-containing mast cells and SP-containing and CGRP-containing nerves--neurogenic inflammation--is one of the mechanisms involved in vessel permeability changes in otitis media with effusion.
Hellström
S
S
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Umeå, Sweden.
Goldie
P
P
D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000209:etiology