[The expression and significance of NF-kappaB in the rat model of otitis media with effusion experimentally induced by ovalbumin].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the T helper cells (Th) predominant differentiation and the modulation of nuclear transcription factors kappa B (NF-kappaB) in middle ear of rat model of otitis media with effusion (OME).


METHODS
Sixteen SD rats were randomly divided into OME (Exp group) and control group (Con group). The expression of NF-kappaB were observed by immunohistochemistry. The level of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in tympanic lavage fluid (TLF) were determined by ELISA.


RESULTS
As compared to the Con group , the level of IL-4 and the ratio of Th2/Th1 (IL-4/IFN-gamma) in TLF of Exp group significantly increased (P<0.05), when no significant difference in IFN-gamma levels in TLF was found. The ratio of NF-kappaB p65 positive cells to white cells in temporal bone marrow smears and middle ear mucosa of Exp group was significantly higher than that of Con group (P<0.05). The expression of NF-kappaB p65 in temporal bone marrow smears and middle ear mucosa was signficantly positively correlated with the concentration of IL-4 in TLF of Exp group (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The middle ear is capable of mounting an allergic response and subsequent formation of effusion. There is Thl/Th2 immune response imbalance, which polarizes toward Th2 response in the middle ear microenvironment of allergic OME rat model. Moreover , NF-kappaB may participate in regulating Th2 predominant reaction.
Zhao
Shouqin
S
Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100730, China. zhao_sq@yahoo.com.cn
Liu
Hua
H
Han
Demin
D
Xia
Yin
Y
Fan
Erzhong
E
Wang
Yang
Y
Li
Jie
J
Ren
Yuanyuan
Y
D000818:Animals; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D016328:NF-kappa B; D015847:Interleukin-4; D010047:Ovalbumin