Acute effects of sulfur dioxide exposure on the middle ear mucosa

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Ann. Otol., Rhinol., Laryngol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/000348948909800413· OSTI ID:6146419

Ohashi, Y; Nakai, Y; Ikeoka, H; Koshimo, H; Esaki, Y

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), Journal Name: Ann. Otol., Rhinol., Laryngol.; (United States) Vol. 98; ISSN AORHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
AUDITORY ORGANS
BODY
CHALCOGENIDES
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
EPITHELIUM
GUINEA PIGS
MAMMALS
MEMBRANES
MICROSCOPY
MUCOUS MEMBRANES
ORGANS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
POLLUTION
RODENTS
SENSE ORGANS
SENSITIVITY
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
TISSUES
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES