Bone Resorption in Human Cholesteatomas

Abstract

In vivo studies of different aspects of bone resorption in human cholesteatomas are described in the immunodeficient “nude” mice. Cholesteatoma membranes were transplanted into the middle ear cavities of the mice. After 21–28 days, growth of cholesteatoma tissue could be demonstrated in 8 of 13 animals. In 7 of these 8 animals bone resorption of the labyrinthine wall and ossicles could be demonstrated; resorption with acute inflammation was found in only two animals. The cellular mechanism in relation to bone resorption is discussed.