[Histopathological and ultracytochemical observation of mucosa on the eustachian tube and middle ear with experimental secretory otitis media].

OBJECTIVE: To further explore the pathogenesis of the secretory otitis media and provide basis for its clinical treatment. METHOD: A model of otitis media with effusion was established by coagulating the pharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube under an endoscope with microwave. Orifice and its cartilage-mucosa of the eustachian tube and the mucosa in the middle ear were observed and compared, dark-granulated cells near the middle ear and surfactant-like lamellar bodies were observed. RESULT: Under light microscope, the eustachian tube in all the specimens were unblocked. The thick-measurements and pathology observations of the cartilage-mucosa on eustachian tube with otitis media revealed that there were no obviously inflammatory change and no significantly difference in comparison with normal control group. In all the pathologic groups, no surfactant-like lamellar bodies were found in the secretory cells, which showed impaired characters with little secretory granules. CONCLUSION: The cartilage mucosa on eustachian tube is possessed of very strong function of natural defence for inflammatory disease. Surfactant-like substance are important in maintaining the physiological function of the eustachian tube. These studies provide a basis for further experimental research and clinical treatment for secretory otitis media.