Epithelial migration in the healing process of tympanic membrane perforations

Abstract

The healing process in 10 human tympanic membrane perforations after trauma and 20 myringotomies was observed under the microscope and was photographed. The movement of the healing process was from the central portion of the perforation to the periphery and followed the same direction as the drum's epithelial migration. At the central portion of the perforation's margin, the keratin layer proceeded to the periphery and was followed by the epidermal cell layer. Only slight movement was observed at the peripheral portion of the perforation. Histopathological examination confirmed these observations. These findings demonstrate that epithelial migration on the tympanic membrane plays a great role in the healing of a perforation.

Histology of the healing tympanic membrane following perforation in rats

“…The keratin layer therefore will be the first to close the perforation, 27 then followed by the CT layer. 29,30 A differing theory is that the mucosal cell layer has a role by providing the scaffold, one-cell thick across the wound. The keratinized epithelium and suprabasal cells then migrate over.…”

Efficiency of Cryotherapy in Avoiding Myringotomy Closure in Rats

“…This process is modulated by several local factors like EGF, TGF-a, and PDGF [7,8]. This healing pattern is contrary to Fig.…”

“…Thus, the major initial regenerative occurrence consists of epithelial migration leading to covering of the tympanic defect. Subsequent fibrous-conjunctive proliferation follows the centripetal migration of squamous cells [6,7].…”

“…Cell proliferation starts at the centre of the tympanic membrane and is moving towards the defect [7]. This process is modulated by several local factors like EGF, TGF-a, and PDGF [7,8].…”

“…In the central columns the detailed structure of the eardrum is represented. See text for explanations the regenerative processes of the skin where squamous cells migrate at the surface of a fibrous supportive tissue which precedes the development of the epithelial layer [5,7].…”