The role of immunomodulatory oligonucleotides in prevention of OVA-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential role of immunomodulatory oligonucleotides (IMO) in the prevention of OVA-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) in a rat model.


METHODS
Brown-Norway rats were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and randomized to receive pre-treatment with IMO or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). After systemic sensitization, subjects received a transtympanic OVA challenge followed by evaluation of the Eustachian tube's dynamic function.


RESULTS
Pre-treatment of OVA sensitized animals with IMO normalized passive opening and closing Eustachian tube pressures, improved active clearance of negative pressure in the middle ear, and resulted in reduced mean mucociliary transit times compared to untreated OVA-sensitized animals (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
These data demonstrate that pre-treatment with IMO prevent OVA-induced ETD in the rat. IMO treatment in the future may offer considerable promise in the management of OME in children.
Ebert
Charles S
CS
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CB# 7070, G0412 Neurosciences Hospital, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7070, United States. cebert@med.unc.edu
Rose
Austin S
AS
Patel
Mihir R
MR
Hardy
Stuart M
SM
Kandimalla
Ekambar R
ER
Agrawal
Sudhir
S
Prazma
Jiri
J
Pillsbury
Harold C
HC
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010047:Ovalbumin; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D011914:Rats, Inbred BN
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D010047:Ovalbumin