Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1-4 in human chronic tympanic membrane perforation.

OBJECTIVE

To locate fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFRs) 1-4 in human chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforation.

METHODS

A sample of human chronic TM perforation was harvested during myringoplasty. The sample was immediately fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in OCT compound. Immunohistochemistry was performed with FGFR 1-4 polyclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

FGFRs 1-4 were strongly and weakly expressed in the epidermal and mucosal layer of the TM perforation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

As it is impossible to perform quantitative analysis based on the fluorescence intensity of each immunoreactivity, the presence of FGFRs 1-4 in the human chronic TM perforation is shown. The expressions of FGFRs 1-4 indicated that the clinical use of bFGF agent is useful for myringoplasty.