Gene expression profiles of early pneumococcal otitis media in the rat

Downstream targets of several transcription factors, up-regulated transiently at 12 h, control secondary effects of S. pneumoniae infection, including apoptosis of neutrophils and mucosal epithelial cells, bone proliferation and promotion of leukocyte differentiation. These observations lead to a greater understanding of the early events in the pathogenesis of an AOM episode and highlight therapeutic targets, which may play a roll in the sequelae of AOM.