The anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic activities of selenium in the prevention of myringosclerosis in rats.

The possible effect of selenium on the prevention or reduction in occurrence of myringosclerosis was investigated. Fifteen rats were myringotomized bilaterally and separated into two groups. Nine rats were treated with selenium in the study group. Six rats were administered physiological serum and formed the control group. The occurrence of myringosclerotic lesions and anti-apoptotic activity in the tympanic membranes of the two groups were compared otomicroscopically and histopathologically. The sclerosis was occasional in three, moderate in five and severe in three tympanic membranes in the control group. On the other hand sclerosis was observed in only two of 18 specimens in the study group and sclerosis was seen only occasionally in these two sections. Although Bcl-2 staining, which indicates apoptosis, was not statistically different between the groups, it was observed that apoptosis was slightly more apparent in the study group (eight of 18 tympanic membranes versus two of 12 tympanic membranes in the control group). In conclusion, the formation of myringosclerosis following myringtomoy in rats can be reduced by intraperitoneal selenium administration.