Effect of topical glucocorticoid treatment in chinchilla model of lipopolysaccharide induced otitis media with effusion.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of topical treatment with three glucocorticoids in lipopolysaccharide induced otitis media with effusion (OME).

Methods: Chinchillas were divided into seven treatment groups consisting of vehicle and three glucocorticoids: dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP), fluticasone propionate (FP), and hydrocortisone, each at concentrations of 0.1% and 1.0%. LPS (300 μg) was injected into the superior bullae of chinchillas to induce OME. Animals were treated with test substances at -2, 24, and 48 h relative to LPS inoculation. After 96 h, chinchillas were euthanized, samples of middle ear effusion (MEE) were collected, and temporal bones were removed for histopathological examination. Reduction of OME was evaluated by measuring MEE volume and thickness of mucosal lining for each bulla.

Results: One percent treatment of FP significantly reduced MEE. One percent treatment of DSP and HC significantly reduced the mucosal thickness (MT), DSP (15.0 μM) more than HC (30.8 μM). Treatment with 0.1% glucocorticoids did not lead to any significant reduction.

Conclusions: Clearance of otitis media with effusion seems to be a class effect among glucocorticoids. DSP was the best in reducing MT. It is important to evaluate treatment with various glucocorticoids in order to discover alternative drugs for OME.