Contribution to the Elucidation of theEtiology of Méniére’s Disease

Overview

The authors submit a complex of immunological and immunochemical examinationsof patients with the working diagnosis of Méniére’s disease and progressive sensorineural hearingdisorder. All tests were made on the basis of solubilized antigens of the human cochlea. Isolatedproteins were characterized by SDS PAGE. For assessment of the immunological basis of the diseasethe authors used the following tests: immunoblotting, ELISA, CD69 analysis of peripheral CD3+lymphocytes by flow cytometry after stimulation with cochlear antigens and the lymphocytetransformation test. The tests revealed the irregular formation of autoantibodies and irregularactivation of periipheral circulating CD3+ lymphocytes in patients. This can be partially consideredthe result of local damage of the cochlea or expression of pathological surface structures andavailability of normally not present local antigens as a result of various stimuli (viral damage,pressure of endolymph etc.). Based on these results the view can be supported that Méniér e’s diseaseis from the etiological aspect beyond doubt an autoimmune disease. It is however possible that asa result of the induction of the however possible that as a results of the induction of the autoimmuneprocess the manifestations of the disease have a progressive trend.

Key words:
cochleovestibular disorder, Méniére’s disease, progressive sensorineural hearingdisorder, immunology.