Expression of measles virus receptors in otosclerotic, non-otosclerotic and in normal stapes footplates.

Otosclerosis is a bone remodeling disorder of complex etiology. Persistent measles virus infection of the otic capsule could increase the expression level of measles virus receptors (CD46) on the osteoclasts and endothelial cells of the otosclerotic foci. Presence of measles virus RNA was demonstrated in the footplates of histologically diagnosed otosclerotic patients by RT-PCR; however, no reports were available about the CD46 expression pattern and level in otosclerosis.

Activated osteoclasts with CD51/61 expression in otosclerosis.

Hypothesis: Stapes ankylosis is supposed to be a disease with variable histopathology caused by otosclerosis or pseudo-otosclerosis. Persistent measles virus infection of the otic capsule could induce reactivation of quiescent embryonic osteoclasts in otosclerosis.

Background: Presence of measles virus RNA was demonstrated in the footplates of otosclerotic patients by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Detection of osteoprotegerin and TNF-alpha mRNA in ankylotic Stapes footplates in connection with measles virus positivity.

Hypothesis: Otosclerosis is a bone remodeling disorder of the otic capsule causing conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Persistent measles virus infection of the temporal bone with increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and decreased osteoprotegerin mRNA expression is supposed to be the main etiologic factor in otosclerosis.

Background: Determinants of measles virus infection and reactive inflammation were studied in otosclerosis.

Isolation and functional characterization of a cyst(e)amine-sensitive protein protecting methyl-dithio groups.

We have previously shown that S-methylthio cysteine mixed disulfide and cystamine potently stimulate thiol production and glutathione synthesis of a human T-cell line in SH-poor medium. Here, we describe a simple photometric method for the determination of methylthio-mixed disulfides (MT-groups) and show that liver contains relatively large amount of MT-groups mainly associated with the globulin fractions. At least a part of methylthio (MT-) globulins is in a complex with a heat-stable protein protecting methylthio-groups against reduction and was designated as anti-methylthio factor (AMTF).

Sensorineural hearing loss in chronic otitis media.

Objective: To determine whether chronic suppurative otitis media may cause sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods: The files of 121 patients with unilateral chronic suppurative otitis media were reviewed in a retrospective study. Air conduction and bone conduction threshold averages were calculated over the speech frequencies (500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz).