Murine model of otitis media with effusion: immunohistochemical demonstration of IL-1 alpha antigen expression.

Recent studies have suggested that cytokines likely play a central role in the formation and maintenance of otitis media with effusion (OME). Currently, there is no immunologically defined animal model for the study of cytokines as they contribute to the formation of OME. In the present study, a murine model of OME, using eustachian tube blockage via an external surgical approach, was developed. The murine model temporal bone histology appears to mimic the histology found in chronic otitis media with effusion in humans. Additionally, using this murine model, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) expression was detected in the middle ear using standard immunohistochemical techniques. IL-1 alpha seemed localized to the epithelial lining of the middle ear as well as 5% to 10% of inflammatory cells. This model should provide the necessary tool to further study the immunologic aspects of OME.