ABSTRACT
Cell mediated immune response plays a role in the pathogenesis of aural cholesteatoma. 20 cholesteatoma, 10 tubotympanic chronic otitis media patients and 10 normal subjects were studied for the presence of leukocyte migration inhibition factor [LIF] in lymphocyte supernatant and measured by indirect LIF assay. LIF is one of the lymphokines secreted by antigen stimulated lymphocytes. All cholesteatoma patients had significantly higher values of LIF compared with the other two groups [p <0.05], indicating a specific antigenicity and confirming the presence of cell medicated response in these patients. Clinical parameters such as age, sex, duration of diseases, recurrence and complication did not correlate with LIF values. Extension of the disease [localized attic versus extensive mastoid] correlated with the level of LIF. Mastoid disease showed significantly higher LIF [p <0.05] implicating relationship between degree of immunological status and extent of cholesteatoma. Further studies are recommended