Adaptive immunity of the tympanic membrane.
In a previous experiment an antiserum was developed in the rabbit from the lamina propria of the tympanic membrane of the guinea pig. In the present study 18 Hartley guinea pigs were used in an in vivo experiment in which the antiserum (RAGTM IgG) served passively to immunize the animals subjected to various forms of trauma to the right tympanic membrane. Two groups (18 animals) immunized with normal rabbit IgG or normal saline served as controls. The left tympanic membrane remained untouched in all groups and served as an internal control. Various forms of trauma (infection, cauterization, section), various times (one to 21 days), and diverse techniques of staining (immunofluorescence, complement, and immunoperoxidase) were studied. The results indicate that the combination of trauma and sensitization in the first group evokes a particular response in the lamina propria of the tympanic membrane in immunized animals (RAGTM IgG). The form of trauma does not influence the results, but time seems to be an important factor. This work addresses several questions concerning the possible role of the combination of trauma and sensitization in conditions that involve the tympanic membrane and middle ear clinically.
D000818:Animals; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology*; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000276:immunology* / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology
D007074:Immunoglobulin G