The effect of surfactant on eustachian tube function in a gerbil model of otitis media with effusion.
The relationship of eustachian tube surfactant and otitis media with effusion on eustachian tube opening pressure was studied in a gerbil model. Injection of killed Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria created a serous effusion that increased eustachian tube opening pressure. The introduction of exogenous surfactant to this system resulted in a dramatic decrease in eustachian tube opening pressure in both normal ears and those with effusion. Identifying means to increase surfactant in the eustachian tube could be beneficial in reducing persistent otitis media with effusion.
Fornadley
J A
JA
Department of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033.
Burns
J K
JK
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000503:physiopathology; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005849:Gerbillinae; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011312:Pressure; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D013501:Surface-Active Agents