Effects ofStaphylococcus Aureuson the Ciliary Activity of the Middle Ear Lining

Abstract

Our previous investigation using normal guinea pigs disclosed that, like respiratory mucosa, the middle ear lining has ciliary activity, and that this ciliary activity becomes more active as the location becomes more distal to the eustachian tube. In this experimental study, the effects of Staphylococcus aureus on the middle ear lining was examined from functional and morphological viewpoints. In conclusion, the ciliary activity at the entrance to the eustachian tube and that more distal to the tube present a similar pattern of reaction to S aureus in an in vitro system. On the other hand, the ciliary activity of the middle ear lining displays a varying pattern of reaction according to the locations within the tympanic cavity.

New views on the pathogenesis of acute otitis media and its complications

“…The epithelium of the ET and middle ear is lined with mucus-producing ciliated cells that are equipped to trap and expel small particles such as bacteria [25,26]. It is expected that any impairment of the mucociliary clearance may induce a pooling of secretions in the middle ear, facilitating multiplication of bacteria which may lead to AOM.…”

“…Many studies have shown that infections by respiratory viruses are associated with transient abnormalities of cilia in the upper respiratory tract epithelium [25,27]. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies in the guinea pig showed that injection of Staphylococcus aureux into the middle ear cavity modifies the ciliary beating activity [26]. Various endotoxins and inflammation mediators were also proven to affect the ciliary activity [28].…”