Matrix metalloproteinases in a gerbil cholesteatoma model.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to determine whether expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) occurs in a gerbil cholesteatoma model, which may be involved early in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma. Study design Atelectasis was induced by transpalatal, bilateral Eustachian tube obstruction on gerbil ears (n = 60). Tympanic membranes were removed at days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84, and quantitative analysis of TNF-alpha and MMPs was performed.


RESULTS
Atelectasis and middle ear inflammation increased with time. TNF-alpha and MMP levels increased (P < 0.0083) with time, inflammation, and atelectatic stage with some variability seen between different MMPs.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevation of TNF-alpha and MMPs associated with progressive tympanic membrane atelectasis suggests a possible role for these inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma.
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
Jason G
JG
Wilmoth
Gregory S
GS
Schultz
Patrick J
PJ
Antonelli
D000818:Animals; D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000601:surgery; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005849:Gerbillinae; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000201:enzymology
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases