# IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF MIDDLE EAR DISEASE

> **NIH NIH R01** · CHILDREN'S HOSP PITTSBURGH/UPMC HLTH SYS · 1988 · $119,358

## Abstract

The objectives of this research are to define those immune mechanisms
including allergy which have been suggested but not established as
important in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME).  OME is
a multifactorial syndrome in which infection and eustachian tube
obstruction (ETO) are the best documented pathogenetic mechanisms.  A
provocative intranasal antigen (pollen) challenge which induces ETO in
adults with allergic rhinitis has been shown to be a reproducible,
reversible immune response which is antigen dose dependent and related to
IgE antibody.  This research plan will study immune and non-immune factors
which may sustain and prolong ETO and explore potential relationships for
antigen induced ETO and upper respiratory infections.  Since OME is a
disease primarily of children, this research plan will begin to extend
these observations from adults to children with allergic rhinitis and OME.
Immune reactions, including allergy, release and generate mediators in
tissues and secretions of inflammation.  This research will study whether
intranasal provocative challenge with these mediators including histamine,
prostaglandins and leukotrienes as well as methacholine will induce ETO.
New technology including a sonometric method of measuring ETO along with a
computer assisted rhinomanometer with capabilities of performing both
active and passive, anterior and posterior rhinometry will be utilized.  In
addition, the presence of these mediators will be studied in middle ear
fluids, and nasal secretions of patients with OME and allergic rhinitis and
correlated with presence of Ig isotypes, bacteria cultures and clinical
course.  Since certain questions concerning the development of ETO and OME
require invasive techniques and are not suitable in man, a monkey animal
model of antigen induced ETO has been developed.  Histamine intranasal
challenge has also induced ETO in the monkey, especially in younger animals
and the role of histamine, methacholine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes in
the pathogenesis of ETO and OME will be examined in this model.  Age
related differences will be explored at each aspect of the experimental
design.  By understanding the role of immune reactions, especially allergy,
in the pathogenesis of ETO and OME, this research should provide the basis
for future studies to establish better diagnosis and therapy of this most
common pediatric illness.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128601
- **Project number:** 5R01AI019262-06
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S HOSP PITTSBURGH/UPMC HLTH SYS
- **SAM.gov UEI:** K9M2PLP2T7H1
- **Principal Investigator:** Philip Fireman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $119,358
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-08-01 → 1989-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128601

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128601, IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF MIDDLE EAR DISEASE (5R01AI019262-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128601. Licensed CC0.

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