Introduction:
The best way to understand the pathophysiology of Eustachian tube is to establish one suitable animal model to mimic the Eustachian tube changes in dysfunctional condition, furtherly to test the right surgical procedures or drugs for treatment.
Objectives:
This study was performed to investigate whether miniature pigs are a suitable animal model for studies of the Eustachian tube (ET).
Methods:
Anatomical and morphometric analyses were conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative information regarding the ET. Histological analysis was used to determine the fine structure of ET cross-sections. We also investigated the feasibility of balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET).
Results:
The anatomical study indicated that the pharyngeal orifice and tympanic orifice of the miniature pig ET are located at the posterior end of the nasal lateral wall and anterior wall of the middle ear cavity, respectively. These are identical to the positions of the ET orifices in humans. The cartilaginous tube was seen to pass through the whole length of the ET. Morphometric analysis revealed the full course of the ET. Although lacking a bony part, the length of the cartilaginous part of the ET and the diameter of the isthmus were similar between humans and miniature pigs. The groß histology seemed to be slightly different between miniature pig and human. BDET experiments verified that the miniature pig model is suitable as a model for clinical operations. We also investigated the Ciliary Mucous System damaging and repairing process after BDET operation.
Conclusions:
The miniature pig is a suitable animal model for ET dysfunction. The miniature pig is helpful to get it clear that how the BDET could be one good solution for chronic ET dysfunctional related diseases.
