Proteases and protease inhibitors in immune complex otitis media in chinchillas

Using an immune complex-induced (IC) otitis media model in chinchillas sensitized with human serum albumin (HSA), we measured the levels of protease activity, protease inhibitors, and HSA in the middle ear fluid (MEF). The effect of a corticosteroid agent (triamcinolone) on the degree of IC otitis media also was studied. The levels of protease inhibitors α1-antitrypsin and α2-macroglobulin in the MEF were significantly higher than in nonsensitized animals. Fibrinolytic (plasminogen activator [PA]) activity was detected in the MEF; however, only a small level of activity of nonspecific proteases was detected because of the significant level of antitryptic activity in the MEF. The levels of protease inhibitors and PA activity were significantly reduced by the steroid treatment. It is concluded that protease inhibitors play an important role in the protection of the middle ear mucosa and that corticosteroid treatment can reduce the severity of IC otitis media.