Platelet Activating Factor Induced Maxillary Sinusitis in Rabbits

Jeong, Pil Seob; Rhee, Chung Ku; Jeon, Sea Yuong

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Platelet activating factor (PAF) has been known to implicate one of potent inflammatory mediators and is reported to be involved in many pathologic processes, especially in inflammation and allergy. PAF has induced cytotoxic effects on the human paranasal sinus mucosa in vitro, showing ciliary inhibition, ciliostasis and cellular damage to the mucosal epithelium, in both dose and time dependent manners. However, the exact role of PAF in the pathogenesis of sinusitis is not yet known.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to provide a new model of acute sinusitis by application of PAF into the maxillary sinus in rabbits.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Rabbits were divided into 2 groups. Experimental groups were applied with 16 ng/ml of PAF into the maxillary sinus percutaneously. Control groups were applied with normal saline using the same technique as in the experimental groups. The presence of purulent secretion was observed in the nostril of rabbits, and the culture and smears of the secretions were performed. All of the mucosae were taken from the inferomedial wall of each sinus for light microscopy.
RESULTS
Mucoid and purulent discharges were observed in rabbits of the experimental groups at 5 and 7 days after the application of PAF, respectively. Pasteurella multocida was found in the sinus content of experimental groups at 5 and 7 days. The prominent epithelial disruption and the infiltration of the inflammatory cells (predominantly eosinophils) into the epithelium and lamina propria were observed at 7 days in PAF-applied group.
CONCLUSION
In this study, PAF induced sinusitis without occlusion of the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus in rabbits, therby providing another animal model of sinusitis for the understanding of the pathogenesis of sinusitis caused by inflammatory mediators.