The effect of systemic prednisolone on propylene glycol-induced otitis media in guinea pig.

OBJECTIVES

In this histopathologic study, we investigated the effect of systemic prednisolone on propylene glycol-induced otitis media in guinea pig ear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten adult guinea pigs received systemic prednisolone (10 mg, IM, single dose) together with a single application of 60% propylene glycol (0.2 ml, per ear) to both middle ears. Ten control guinea pigs were given a single application of 60% propylene glycol (0.2 ml) in the left ear, and a single application of saline (0.2 ml) in the right ear. Four weeks later, the animals were sacrificed and temporal bones were removed and prepared for histological evaluation. Paraffin-embedded specimens were horizontally sectioned at 7 microns. One of each five sections was stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and studied under light microscopy.

RESULTS

In the control group, otitis media developed in six of nine propylene glycol-administered ears (66%), whereas all saline-treated ears remained intact. In the prednisolone group, only one (6%) of 16 ears developed otitis media and cholesteatoma. The difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that systemic prednisolone has a potent effect to prevent propylene glycol-induced otitis media in guinea pig ears.