Creating a stable tympanic membrane perforation using mitomycin C.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the ability of topically applied mitomycin C to create a stable tympanic membrane perforation.


METHODS
Twenty-four rats underwent subtotal removal of the tympanic membranes bilaterally. Forty ears received 0.2 mg/ml of mitomycin C. The remaining 8 received phosphate-buffered saline solution (control). Photographs taken every 3 to 5 days for 44 days were digitally scanned and computer analyzed to calculate the percentage of residual perforation. Application of solutions, photography, and data analysis were performed in a blinded fashion.


RESULTS
The mitomycin C treated ears had delayed closure time and healing rate (from day 0 to 25) compared to the control group. All controls healed by day 14. By day 44, 92.5% of the mitomycin C treated ears healed.


CONCLUSIONS
Mitomycin C prolongs the closure and healing rate of myringotomies in rat tympanic membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
Myringotomy with concurrent mitomycin C application may be useful for creating an animal model for chronic tympanic membrane perforation and should be tested in human beings as a method to maintain myringotomy patency for long-term ventilation.
R C
RC
O'Reilly
S A
SA
Goldman
S A
SA
Widner
S P
SP
Cass
D000477:Alkylating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000379:methods; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009225:Myringoplasty; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D013997:Time Factors; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy
D000477:Alkylating Agents; D016685:Mitomycin