Surfactant in Middle Ear Effusions

Abstract

Evidence from animal studies suggests that substances that lower surface tension are present in the middle ear cleft, where they may facilitate opening of the eustachian tube. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not surface-tension-lowering substances are present in middle ear effusions. Aspirates from children and adults with secretory otitis media--both serous otitis media and mucoid otitis media--were analyzed by means of two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. Phospholipids, the major components of pulmonary surfactant, were present in appreciable quantities in all aspirates. Differences in total phosphate content and phospholipid composition were found when effusions from adults and children were compared.

Collapse Mechanisms of Langmuir Monolayers

“…What is less understood, however, is how such a film, when compressed to the limit of its stability in two dimensions, explores the third dimension upon monolayer collapse. Understanding this 2D-to-3D transition is of great importance as it provides insight into the origin and nature of defects in thin films such as those that coat optical fibers (11,12) and biological ones that protect the eyes (13,14), the ears (15,16), and the inner surface of our lungs (17)(18)(19).…”

Effect of Nebulized Bovine Surfactant for Experimental Otitis Media with Effusion

“…The presence of the surfactant in the Eustachian tube and middle ear effusions in humans has been confirmed after the possible existence of surfactants in the function of the Eustachian tube was suggested (2-6). Exogenous natural (7-9) and synthetic (10-12) surfactant preparations can reduce the passive opening pressure (POP), which is the pressure required to force the Eustachian tube open.…”

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Collapse of a Fatty Acid at Various Compression Rates using In Situ Imaging Ellipsometry

“…The mode of collapse can be tuned by varying the mechanical properties of the film. Understanding this 2D-to-3D transition is of great importance, as it provides insight into the origin and nature of defects in thin films such as the biological films that protect our eyes [6,7], ears [8,9], and the inner surface of our lungs [10][11][12].…”