3.2 The expression of Treg/Th17 specific transcription factors( FOXP3 and RORγt) is imbalanced
IHC staining showed that FOXP3 in OME and CON group middle ear mucosa were differentially expressed and RORγt was stained pale yellow with different expression in OME and CON group. OME group showed RORγt antigen expression in the cytoplasm and capsular, tan, sediment samples with higher positive cells rate than CON group. FOXP3 antigen was expressed in the cytoplasm and envelop of the middle ear mucous membrane in OME group and the positive cell rate was weaker than CON group.
3.3 Flow cytometry detection revealed animbalance of Treg/Th17 in the OME animal model
Flow cytometry detection revealed that the Treg proportion was 3.57±0.66% in OME group and 14.99±2.49% in CON group,. The proportion of Th17 in the OME group was 12.17±1.90%, and the proportion of Treg in the CON group was 3.29±0.49%. The above results indicated that the initial T cells in OME group showed a decreased tendency to differentiate into Treg and an increased tendency to differentiate into Th17. Further analysis found that Treg/Th17 ratio of CD4 T cells in OME group was decreased, while Th17 ratio of CD4 T cells was increased, and Treg/Th17 ratio was decreased, indicating Treg/Th17 imbalance in OME.