Publication
Title
Healing time, long-term result and effects of stem cell treatment in acute tympanic membrane perforation
Author
Abstract
Objective: The incidence of otitis media in children between the age of 2 and 6 years is well documented. Repeated attacks may cause acute and chronic perforations. The surgical treatment for repairing chronic perforation is quite uncomfortable for the patients of this age group because of the invasiveness of this treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term influence of embryonic stem cells on acute perforations and the effect of gelatin as a vehicle for applied stem cells. The possibility of teratogenic effects of the stem cells was also observed. Methods: Bilateral laser myringotomy was Performed in 17 adult Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into two groups. Gelatin, a substance suitable as vehicle for bioactive material was used bilaterally around the perforation in group A, to serve as a scaffold for repairing tissue. The stem cells were used in the right tympanic membrane perforation leaving the left tympanic membrane as a control. The animals in group B received the same treatment except for the use of gelatin and in addition received an immuno-suppressive agent. After half a year of observation the mechanical stiffness of the tympanic membrane was measured by moire interferometry for group B and the morphological study was performed by light microscopy for both groups A and B and electron microscopy for group A. Results: Stem cell treated ears did not show any enhanced heating of the perforation although a marked thickening of the lamina propria was observed compared with control group. After half a year the strength and the stiffness of the tympanic membrane was almost the same for both treated and untreated ears. No evidence of teratoma was found after half a year. Conclusion: This study suggests that the stem cells stimulate the proliferation of connective tissue and fibers in the lamina propria, possibly mediated by secreted substances, although the stiffness properties do not seem to be altered. The use of gelatin does not seem to enhance the heating process of the tympanic membrane perforation. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2007
ISSN
0165-5876
DOI
10.1016/J.IJPORL.2007.04.005
Volume/pages
71 :7 (2007) , p. 1129-1137
ISI
000247493800019
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.01.2013
Last edited 09.12.2021
To cite this reference