Late-phase allergy and eustachian tube dysfunction

OBJECTIVE. This study investigated the role of late-phase allergy in the de velopment of otitis media with effusion. METHODS: Brown Norway rats were sensitized to ovalbumin and later challenge d transtympanically. Eustachian tube ventilatory function was assessed 2, 4 , 8, 24, 28, and 32 hours postchallenge by measuring passive opening and cl osing pressures, active clearance of positive and negative middle ear press ure, and mucociliary clearance. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that exposure to transtympanic allergen in duces eustachian tube dysfunction and subsequent formation of effusion. All ergic animals showed significant increases in passive and active opening pr essures, as well as a decreased ability to actively clear middle ear pressu re. Finally, the mucociliary was significantly impaired in all sensitized r ats exposed to transtympanic allergen. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that late-phase allergy leads to sig nificant eustachian tube dysfunction and subsequent formation of effusion b y impairing the ventilatory and clearance functions of the eustachian tube.