[Detection of measles and rubella-specific antigens in the endochondral ossification zone in otosclerosis]

Abstract

Paramyxoviruses have been described in the osteoclasts in Paget's disease and it has been suggested that the disease was caused by this virus. There is considerable similarity of the histological features of active otosclerosis and Paget's disease and the probable presence of viral antigens in the otosclerotic footplate of the stapes of 15 patients has been investigated by means of immunohistochemical methods. The active otosclerotic lesions of all 15 patients studied displayed a high concentration of antibodies of the IgG-class which was less pronounced in the cytoplasm of the cells of the adjacent enchondral layer. Using polyclonal antibodies against measles and rubella viruses, both antigens could be shown expressed by the chondrocytes of the enchondral layer and by occasional osteocytes and osteoclasts of the otosclerotic lesion. IgG antibodies or viral antigens were absent in the normal bone of the stapes specimens. The interpretation and significance of these findings is discussed, with particular reference to the pathogenesis of otosclerosis.