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Thomas F. DeMaria, PhD; Ronel Enrique, MD; Joseph Dohar, MD; Lauren O. Bakaletz, PhD; David J. Lim, MD

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1988;114(11):1259-1261.

Abstract
• β₂-Microgobulin (β₂M) is a low-molecular-weight protein present in serum and other fluids during various autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases. β₂-Microglobulin was measured in middle ear effusion (MEE) and serum samples obtained from 36 patients with chronic otitis media with effusion. Using a quantitative competitive enzyme immunoassay, we were able to demonstrate β₂M in 98% of the MEE samples. The mean concentration of β₂M was higher in the MEE samples than in the serum samples. There was considerable variability between ears in those patients with bilateral MEE. There was no correlation between β₂M concentration and the patients' age, sex, MEE type, and culture results, or cytologic profiles of the MEEs. This increased β₂M may reflect earlier lymphocyte activity during the inflammatory process.

(Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1988;114:1259-1261)

Author Affiliations
From the Otological Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Aug. 15, 1988.

Presented in part at the Fourth International Recent Advances in Otitis Media Symposium, Bal Harbour, Fla, June 2, 1987.

Reprint requests to Otological Research Laboratories, 4331 University Hospitals Clinic, 456 W Tenth Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 (Dr DeMaria).

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