Chronic tympanic membrane perforation: a better animal model is needed

Abstract

Developments in the treatment of chronic tympanic membrane perforation have been hindered by the lack of an ideal animal model. It is not appropriate to test such treatments on acute perforations as the majority of these heal spontaneously. An ideal animal model would be one that most closely resembles the human clinical situation. It should be inexpensive, readily available, and easy to create. There have been a number of attempts to create a chronic tympanic membrane perforation model with limited success. All published attempts at chronic tympanic membrane perforations have been reviewed and the limitations of each model are discussed. A number of areas for research exist for further developing a chronic tympanic membrane perforation model. These areas include a perforation model in the presence of bacteria and eustachian tube dysfunction. Understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms of chronic otitis media and potential treatments will also be useful.

Regeneration of chronic tympanic membrane perforation using 3D collagen with topical umbilical cord serum

“…Weber et al [6] defined the time periods as 6 weeks following TM perforation using chinchilla. Santa Maria et al insisted that the perforation should be maintained for at least 8 weeks following intervention to be able to be defined as chronic and recommended rat as an ideal animal model [34]. Choi et al followed Santa Maria's recommendation for creation of rat chronic TM perforation.…”

Heparin Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor Heals Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforations With Advantage Over Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 and Epidermal Growth Factor in an Animal Model

“…Laboratory created acute perforations heal spontaneously and devalues any intervention used in such a model. (17,20). The model used in this study has been validated as mimicking the human condition in histological appearance, making it useful for testing potential treatments for chronic TM perforations.…”

Searching for a rat model of chronic tympanic membrane perforation: Healing delayed by mitomycin C/dexamethasone but not paper implantation or iterative myringotomy

“…To assess TMP patency, all 40 rats underwent otoscopic observation under general anesthesia postoperatively on day 0, 1, 3,5,7,9,11,14,17,21,28,35,42,49 and 56 using an otomicroscope and digital video-otoscope. The TMPs were assessed for closure, infection, opacification, thickening and granulation tissue.…”

“…In contrast, a chronic TMP animal model has more clinical relevance but an 'ideal' animal model has not yet been found. Currently, the most popular preference on chronic animal models defines a minimum duration of TMP patency to be at eight weeks [9][10][11][12] and so we look to evaluate published models to test for TMP of eight weeks duration in rats.…”