Development of animal models of otitis media

Abstract

Otitis media is defined as inflammation of the middle ear, including the auditory ossicles and the Eustachian tube. Otitis media is a major health problem in many societies. The causes of otitis media includes infection and anatomic/physiologic, host, and environmental factors. In general, otitis media is a childhood disease, and anatomic and physiologic changes have great effects on its development. Thus, in vitro or human experimental studies of otitis media are difficult. Several experimental animal models have been introduced to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of otitis media. However, none are ideal. The aim of this review is to provide a brief overview of the current status of animal models of otitis media with effusion, acute otitis media, and cholesteatoma. This review will assist determination of the most appropriate animal models of otitis media.

Keywords: Animal model; Cholesteatoma; In vitro; Otitis media.

Fig. 1

Trans-neck approach to ligation or cauterization of the Eustachian tube for otitis media with effusion. A: Midline incision. B: Elevation of platysma. C: SCM and belly of digastric muscle. D: Exposure of bulla and Eustachian tube orifice. SCM: sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Fig. 2

Trans-oral approach to ligation or cauterization of the Eustachian tube for otitis media with effusion. A: Electrical cautery of pharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube. B: Pharyngeal incision and bulla exposure. C: Three days postoperatively.

Fig. 3

Result 4 days after induction of acute otitis media by inoculation of a bacterial pathogen via the trans-tympanic membrane. A: Right ear. B: Left ear.

Fig. 4

Result 14 days after induction of cholesteatoma by injection of propylene glycol.