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). METHOD: 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. RESULT: 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). CONCLUSION: 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.
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). METHOD: 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. RESULT: 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). CONCLUSION: 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.