Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-rdxmf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T01:58:16.488Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The cellular mechanism of ossicular erosion in chronic suppurative otitis media

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

F. J. Lannigan*
Affiliation:
Department of OtoloryngologyThe General Infirmary, Leeds
P. O'Higgins
Affiliation:
The Department of Anatomy & Human Biology. University of Western Australia
P. Mcphie
Affiliation:
The Biochemistry Electron Microscopy Unit, University of Leeds
*
F. J. Lannigan FRCS, ENT Department, The General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds. LS1 3EX

Abstract

This is the first report of the application of a new examination technique for the assessment of cellular activity during bone resorption in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). A total of nineteen incudes removed during the course of tympanomastoid surgery were studied (retraction pocket: 2; tubo-tympanic CSOM: 4; attico-antral CSOM: 13). The microscopic surface topography of each specimen was examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the appearances are interpreted in terms of cortical cellular activity. The results suggest that the mechanism of ossicular erosion in CSOM is similar regardless of the exact type of disease. Extensively, pitted areas were seen in all specimens. These pits are morphologically indistinguishable from those characteristic of osteoclastic activity (Howship's lacunae). We conclude that in all causes the surface topography of eroded incudes is consistent with the activity of osteoclasts.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Abramson, M., Huang, C. C. (1977) Localization of collegenase in human middle ear cholesteatoma. Laryngoscope, 87: 877–779.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Boyde, A., Hobdell, M. H. (1969) Scanning electron microscopy of lamellar bone. Zeitschrift fur Zellforschung, 93: 213231.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bromage, T. G. (1982) The scanning electron microscope in craniofacial remodelling research. Application of the topographic principle. In: Factors and mechanisms influencing bone growth. Alan R. Liss, Inc. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York. 143153.Google Scholar
Bromage, T. G. (1987) The scanning electron microscopy/replica technique and recent applications to the study of fossil bone. Scanning Microscopy, 1: 607613.Google Scholar
Brownson, R. J., Marovitz, W. F. (1972) Scanning electron microscopy of normal human ossicles. Laryngoscope, 82: 355362.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Chole, R. A. (1984) Cellular and subcellular events of bone resorption in human experimental cholesteatoma: the role of osteoclasts. Laryngoscope, 94: 7695.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Chole, R. A. (1988) Osteoclasts in chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, and otosclerosis. Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, 97: 616666.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Grundy, J. R. (1971) An intra-oral replica technique for use with the scanning electron microscope. British Dental Journal, 130: 113117.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Grippaudo, M. (1958) Histopathological studies of the ossicles in chronic otitis media. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 72: 177189.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Jones, S. J., Boyde, A. (1977) Some morphological observations on osteoclasts. Cell and Tissue Research, 185: 387397.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
O'Higgins, P., Bromage, T. G., Johnson, D. R., Moore, W. J., McPhie, P. (1991) A study of facial growth in the sooty mangabay cercocebus atys. Folia Primatologica, 56: 8694.Google Scholar
Pollock, F. J. (1959) Pathology of ossicles in chronic otitis media. Archives of Otolaryngology, 70: 421435.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Thomsen, J., Jorgensen, M. B., Bretlau, P., Kristensen, H. K. (1974) Bone resorption in chronic otitis media. A histological and ultrastructural study. II. Cholesteatoma. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 88: 983992.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tos, M. (1979) Pathology of the ossicular chain in various chronic middle ear diseases. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 93: 769780.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed