Effect of Erythromycin on Otitis Media with Effusion in Experimental Rat Model

Abstract

To understand the mechanism of erythromycin (EM) on otitis media with effusion, we examined its effects on leukocyte accumulation and expression of adhesion molecules L-selectin and Mac-1, using a rat experimental model. Administration of EM inhibited leukocyte (neutrophil) accumulation in the middle ear cavity after LPS stimulation. Moreover, EM downregulated L-selectin expression and inhibited interleukin (IL)-8-induced upregulation of Mac-1 on peripheral blood neutrophils. These finding suggests that EM may improve otitis media with effusion by inhibiting neutrophil accumulation in the middle ear cavity through modulating the expression of adhesion molecules L-selectin and Mac-1 on peripheral blood neutrophils.