PERILYMPH DETECTION BY BETA-2-TRANSFERRIN IMMUNOBLOTTING ASSAY - APPLICATION TO THE DIAGNOSIS OF PERILYMPHATIC FISTULAS

beta 2-Transferrin, the asialotransferrin, is found in cerebrospinal f luid (CSF) and inner ear perilymph, but is absent from serum and other body fluids or secretions except the aqueous humor, The detection of this asialo-fraction of the transferrin in ear fluid microsamples with an immunoblotting technique is of great interest when a perilymphatic fistula (PLF) is suspected, beta 2-Transferrin was detected on micros amples collected by syringe or on micro-collagen sponges from 30 patie nts undergoing ear surgery, The problem is reviewed, the technique and sample preparation are explained and the results discussed. beta 2-Tr ansferrin detection in the ear fluid allows the identification of peri lymph, except in the CSF oto- or rhinorrheal context, and is proposed as a promising test to confirm perilymphatic fistula.