M Mondain1, A Ryan. 1. Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is mitogenic for the cell types that constitute the tympanic membrane and has been shown to potentiate tympanic membrane healing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct effect of bFGF application on normal tympanic membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: bFGF was applied to the normal tympanic membrane of 10 guinea pigs via either the external auditory external canal or the middle ear. The drug (400 ng) was delivered on days 0, 1, and 2. The contralateral ear was used as a control. The effects were assessed on day 3. RESULTS: The cumulative area and the average area of blood vessel in each session of TM was greater after bFGF application than placebo. The number of vessels remained unchanged. A proliferation of keratinocytes was observed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that bFGF induces a vasodilatation in the tympanic membrane thereby increasing blood supply. This might explain the acceleration of healing of TM perforations after bFGF application.
PURPOSE:Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is mitogenic for the cell types that constitute the tympanic membrane and has been shown to potentiate tympanic membrane healing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct effect of bFGF application on normal tympanic membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS:bFGF was applied to the normal tympanic membrane of 10 guinea pigs via either the external auditory external canal or the middle ear. The drug (400 ng) was delivered on days 0, 1, and 2. The contralateral ear was used as a control. The effects were assessed on day 3. RESULTS: The cumulative area and the average area of blood vessel in each session of TM was greater after bFGF application than placebo. The number of vessels remained unchanged. A proliferation of keratinocytes was observed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that bFGF induces a vasodilatation in the tympanic membrane thereby increasing blood supply. This might explain the acceleration of healing of TM perforations after bFGF application.