Fibrinolytic Enzymes in the Middle Ear Fluid of Otitis Media with Effusion

Abstract

In order to investigate the prolonged factors of otitis media with effusion, we studied the fibrinolytic activity in middle ear fluid. The hydrolytic activities of specific substrates of plasmin and plasminogen activator (P. G. -activator) and the activity of fibrin degradation (fibrinolysis) were measured. Middle ear fluids of 16 cases diagnosed as unilateral otitis media with effusion were tested. Six cases were male and 10 cases were female. Age distribution of the patients were from 31 to 88 years old (mean: 62.4). The middle ear fluid in all cases was either serous or seromucinous. Using specific substrates, determinations of P. G. -activator activity and of plasmin activity were made by the method of CLAESON et al and the fibrinolysis was determined by the standard fibrin plate method. The results were as follows: 1) Both activities for decomposition of amide against the specific substrates of plasmin and of P. G. -activator were revealed. 2) Fibrinolysis was divided into two categories: fibrinolysis (-) group in six cases (37.5%) and fibrinolysis (+) group in eight cases (50.0%). The characteristics and the roles of fibrinolytic enzymes in the middle ear fluid of otitis media with effusion is discussed.