Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a measles virus sequence from human temporal bone sections with active otosclerosis.
Investigation of a possible viral etiology for otosclerosis was initiated because of the clinical and histopathologic similarities between otosclerosis and Paget's disease of bone and the mounting evidence of a viral etiology in Paget's disease. Thus far, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies have revealed measles-like structures and antigens in active otosclerotic lesions. A method for isolation and identification of both DNA and RNA sequences in archival human temporal bone specimens using the polymerase chain reaction technique has been developed. With use of this technique, a 115-base pair sequence of the measles nucleocapsid gene has been identified in 8 of 11 different temporal bone specimens with histologic evidence of otosclerosis. Zero of nine control specimens without histologic evidence of otosclerosis were positive. The association between the presence of the measles nucleocapsid gene sequence and histologic otosclerosis was significant (p < 0.01). This study provides further evidence for a possible measles virus etiology in otosclerosis.
Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
M J
MJ
McKenna
A G
AG
Kristiansen
J
J
Haines
D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D008459:Measles virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000821:virology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000821:virology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D017931:DNA Primers; D004279:DNA, Viral; D012367:RNA, Viral