Divergent expression of α-ENaC in middle ear mucosa in the course of otitis media with effusion induced by barotrauma.

Conclusion: Gene transcription and protein expression of α-ENaC showed a divergent expression in association with the development of OME induced by barotrauma.
Objectives: ENaC was identified to mediate the fluid absorption through epithelia of the middle ear. This study was designed to investigate the involvement of ENaC in otitis media with effusion (OME) induced by barotrauma.
Methods: A rat model of otitis media with effusion was established using a pressure cabin. The dynamic expression of α-ENaC was detected by Real time-PCR and western blot in the course of otitis media.
Results: Compared with the control, the volume of α-ENaC mRNA and protein increased significantly by 3.18-fold and 2.8-fold on the 3(rd) day, respectively, while decreased by 0.54-fold and 0.32-fold on the 7(th) day, respectively.