Experimental model for the otitis media with effusion induced by Arthus' reaction.

The Arthus' reaction in the middle ear cavity was studied using histochemical technique. The deposition of immune complex on the basement membrane and the immune complex in the middle ear effusion were the initial features of these animal models. But, these immune complexes were clearly removed from the tympanic cavity during the early phase of reaction. Immune complexes were supposed to be just a initiation of otitis media with effusion. The tubal dysfunction and local immunity of middle ear mucosa caused by the Arthus' reaction seemed to be responsible for the chronicity and relapsing of otitis media with effusion respectively.