Antibody Activity in Perilymph from Rats with Type II Collagen-Induced Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

Abstract

Rats were immunized with native type II bovine collagen to induce antoimmune inner ear disease, and the antibody activity in the inner ear fluid was measured. Antibody activity against type II collagen was detected in the perilymph at about 10% to 20% of serum level. Thus, the presence of antibody against type II collagen in inner ear fluid may imply an immune injury mechanisn in inner ear diseases.