抄録
Recent studies have revealed that many samples of middle ear effusion obtained from the patients of otitis media with effusion (OME) contained endotoxin. The purpose of this study is to examine if endotoxin in the middle ear can cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNH). Lipid A (1-200 μg/ml), biologically active portion of endotoxin, was instilled into the tympanic cavity of the guinea pig. The morphology of the cochlea was examined at light or electron microscopic level. As early as three days after the instillation, both the organ of Corti and the stria vascularis showed considerable degeneration. The results suggest that lipid A or endotoxin may be one of the causes of SNH which is demonstrated in some of OME patients. Further study is necessary before conclusion can be drawn.
