Acute effects of sulfur dioxide exposure on the middle ear mucosa
A variety of atmospheric pollutants are known to depress mucociliary function in the respiratory system. Since the mucociliary function in the middle ear is similar, and the middle ear may be invaded by atmospheric pollutants, we decided to investigate the possible contribution of sulfur dioxide to middle ear effusion. Guinea pigs were exposed for 24 hours to 300 ppm of sulfur dioxide or air. Immediately after exposure, ciliary activity and epithelial structure were examined close to the tympanic orifice (proximal site) and more distal to it (distal site). In the animals exposed to sulfur dioxide, no effusion was found in the tympanic cavity. Ciliary activity was reduced only in the distal site. Electron microscopy demonstrated hypersecretion in the proximal site and severe pathologic changes in the distal site. Although the normally functioning cilia in the proximal site may prevent retention of surplus secretions in the ear, sulfur dioxide may promote middle ear effusion when combined with other detrimental factors, because it stimulates mucus secretion in the proximal site and impairs ciliary function in the distal site.
- Research Organization:
- Osaka City Univ. Medical School (Japan)
- OSTI ID:
- 6146419
- Journal Information:
- Ann. Otol., Rhinol., Laryngol.; (United States), Vol. 98
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Acute effects of irradiation on middle ear mucosa
Mucosal pathology of an experimental otitis media with effusion after X-ray irradiation
Related Subjects
AUDITORY ORGANS
SENSITIVITY
SULFUR DIOXIDE
TOXICITY
AIR POLLUTION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
EPITHELIUM
GUINEA PIGS
MUCOUS MEMBRANES
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
BODY
CHALCOGENIDES
MAMMALS
MEMBRANES
MICROSCOPY
ORGANS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RODENTS
SENSE ORGANS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR OXIDES
TISSUES
VERTEBRATES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology