# IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF MIDDLE EAR DISEASE

> **NIH NIH R01** · CHILDREN'S HOSP PITTSBURGH/UPMC HLTH SYS · 1993 · $250,704

## Abstract

The goals of this research are to define the etiologies and pathogeneses of
otitis media with effusion.  Our past studies have documented several
pathogenic pathways whereby nasal inflammation provoked by allergy or viral
infection are manifest as eustachian tube obstruction, a recognized cause
of otitis media with effusion.  The purpose of this ongoing research is to
define the role and interaction of allergy and viral infection in promoting
nasal congestion, tubal obstruction and middle ear pathophysiology.  These
relationships will be explored with an emphasis on amplification,
modulation and prolongation of primary responses.  Specifically, we will
utilize human models for challenges with inflammatory mediators, allergens
and viruses, and animal models of IgE hypersensitivity to:  1) define the
role of inflammatory mediators in causing tubal obstruction and middle ear
disease; 2) document the potential of allergen and viral priming and late
allergic reactions to enhance and sustain the nasal and middle ear
pathophysiologies; and 3) determine if allergic rhinitis subjects are
hyperresponsive to upper respiratory virus infection.  Age related response
differences between children and adults will be further defined.  Children
who are indentified in prospective studies as "otitis prone" will be
evaluated for immune defects to explain their recurrent ear infections.
Middle ear effusions (MEE) from children with acute and chronic OME will be
assayed for histamine, prostaglandins, tryptase and eosinophil derived
major basic protein and neurotoxin.  Enhanced basophil histamine release
and production of histamine releasing factors will be explored as possible
predisposing factors in these children.  This collaborative research effort
by clinical immunologists, otolaryngologists, microbiologists,
physiologists and biochemists will better define the role of allergy and
viral infection in the pathogenesis of OME and should result in improved
diagnosis and management of this most common pediatric disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128604
- **Project number:** 5R01AI019262-10
- **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:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $250,704
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-08-01 → 1994-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128604

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128604, IMMUNE MECHANISMS OF MIDDLE EAR DISEASE (5R01AI019262-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128604. Licensed CC0.

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