Surface tension lowering susbtance of the eustachian tube in non‐suppurative otitis media: An experiment with dogs

A surface tension lowering substance (STLS) lining the Eustachian tube was recently identified. STLS was Postulated to prevent the adherence of the tubal surface and allow for the facile opening by the tubal musculature. In Order to determie the role of STLS, non‐suppurative otitis media was produced in dogs by injecting polytetrafluoethylene paste immediately posterior to the torus tubarius. The presence of STLS was ascertained and found not to be diminished by experimentally produced non‐suppurative otitis media; however, in one case, purulent otitis media was produced, and STLS was absent. This situtation was analogous to teh fate of STLS of the lung (surfactant) during pneumonia. The possible causes for these observed results were postulated. The role of STLS in Eustachian tubal function was delineated.