Ceruminous glands in otosclerosis. A histopathological and histochemical study.

The ceruminous glands of the external auditory canal skin of 20 patients suffering from otosclerosis were examined histologically and histochemically. The histological changes included flattening of the lining cells and widening of the lumina of the glands. Histochemical alterations were in the form of diminished succinic dehydrogenase, alpha esterase and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities. The histological and histochemical changes indicated that atrophy of the ceruminous glands with diminished wax production occurred in some otosclerotic patients. This atrophy may be secondary to the involvement of the ground substance, vessels and nerves of the external auditory canal by the same etiologic factor responsible for the pathogenesis of the otosclerotic process.