Effects of various inflammatory mediators on eustachian tube patency.

The effects of several inflammatory mediators on the patency of the Eustachian tube were evaluated in 15 mongrel dogs. Histamine, leukotriene C4(LTC4) and D4(LTD4), and platelet activating factor (PAF) were perfused through the Eustachian tube of anesthetized dogs at concentrations detected in human middle ear effusion of patients with otitis media. The patency of the Eustachian tube was then evaluated by perfusion pressure and opening pressure. Histamine at concentrations of more than 10(-5) M caused increased tubal resistance and opening pressure rapidly. LTC4 and LTD4 caused a rapid increase of tubal resistance and opening pressure at far lower concentrations, i.e. 10(-12) M. Doses of PAF over 10(-9) M may cause an increase in the opening pressure. These results indicate that various inflammatory mediators are capable of affecting the Eustachian tube function.