We performed western blot analysis, which indicated that the levels of SMAD4 and phosphorylated JunD, ERK, SMAD2, and SMAD3 were significantly decreased in the colonic epithelium of Htr2bΔIEC mice 15 days after initiation of the AOM/DSS regimen (Figures 2F-H). This evidence concerns the gene SMAD3 and infectious otitis media.