Role of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 in endotoxin-induced middle ear effusions.

In a rat model, we investigated the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in endotoxin-induced middle ear effusions (MEEs). After the eustachian tube was obstructed, the middle ear was transtympanically injected with 35 microL of either 1) 1 mg/ mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS); 2) LPS and 100 micrograms TNF binding protein (TNFbp); 3) LPS and 1 microgram IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra); or 4) LPS, TNFbp, and IL-1ra. Every 2 hours, the fluid within the middle ear was collected, and the quantity of albumin in the fluid, an index of vascular leakage, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After 6 hours, the middle ear was fixed for histologic analysis. The TNFbp significantly attenuated vascular extravasation into the middle ear. The IL-1ra did not significantly alter effusion development. These results indicate that TNF, but not IL-1, is a mediator of LPS-induced MEE. Therefore, TNFbp may represent a novel approach to the treatment of otitis media with effusion.