Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test whether platelet activating factor (PAF) impairs the mucociliary clearance function of the eustachian tube (ET) in a dose-dependent manner and whether PAF antagonist can prevent the impairment of mucociliary function of the ET induced by PAF. Coomassie brilliant blue dye transport time (DTT) in normal guinea pigs was 69 seconds. The DTTs after the application of normal saline and PAF at 1 and 2 μg/mL into bullae were 66, 74, and 157 seconds. The time was over 15 minutes when 4, 8, and 16 μg/mL of PAF were applied. The DTT was 62 seconds when the animals were pretreated with PAF antagonist (WEB 2170). There were significant delays of the DTTs after treatment with 2, 4, 8, and 16 μg/mL of PAF. Histopathologic examination of ETs from groups with a significant delay in DTTs showed intact cilia, mucous plugs, increased inflammatory cells, and exfoliation of cells. This study demonstrated that PAF impaired the mucociliary clearance function of the ET in a dose-dependent manner. This impairment of mucociliary clearance function was prevented by pretreatment with PAF antagonist. The findings of the study suggest that PAF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion by impairing the ET clearance function.
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