Effect of Nebulized Bovine Surfactant for Experimental Otitis Media with Effusion

OBJECTIVES In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of nebulized bovine pulmonary surfactant on experimentally induced otitis media with effusion (OME) in guinea pigs. METHODS Twenty guinea pigs were divided into three groups. Four untreated animals served as normal controls. Experimental OME was established in both ears of the remaining 16 animals by a transbullar injection of 10 microL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide in saline. Thereafter, the guinea pigs received nebulized phosphate buffered saline (n=8) or nebulized bovine pulmonary surfactant (n=8). Nebulization was given daily for 7 days. On day 8, all the animals' passive opening pressure (POP) of the Eustachian tube was measured and histopathological observations of the bulla were made by light microscopy. RESULTS Nebulized bovine pulmonary surfactant significantly reduced the POP compared to that of saline nebulization. The bovine pulmonary surfactant improved the tubal patency and produced less histopathologcally-evident edematous bullar mucosa. CONCLUSION Nebulization of bovine pulmonary surfactant plays an important role in treating otitis media with effusion in guinea pigs. Our results suggest that the chosen nebulized bovine pulmonary surfactant can be of good clinical benefit for treating OME in the future.