1997 年 73 巻 1 号 p. 29-32
Sai-rei-to, a type of Kampo medicine (Japanese herbal medicine), has been shown to be clinically effective in treating patients with otitis media with effusion. The effect of Sai-rei-to on the ion transport of the middle ear surface epithelium cultured from the Mongolian gerbil was investigated by using an Ussing chamber. Application of Sai-rei-to to the mucosal bath but not the serosal bath induced an increase in the short-circuit current (Isc)in the basal state. The increase in Isc was almost completely inhibited by addition of diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid but not by amiloride, indicating enhancement of Cl- secretion. On the basis of the lack of changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and a sideness of action, the effect of Sai-rei-to on Isc is thought to be a direct and selective activation on the apical Cl- channel.
