Matrix metalloproteinases and metalloproteinase inhibitors in human interphotoreceptor matrix and vitreous.
OBJECTIVE
We wished to establish which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs) were present in human interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) and vitreous.


METHODS
IPM and vitreous were obtained from postmortem human eyebank eyes. Western immunoblots were probed with antibodies against human MMPs and TIMPs. Assays specific for elastase activity were also performed.


RESULTS
Immunoblot analysis indicated the presence of MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase), MMP-2 and MMP-9 (gelatinases A and B), MMP-3 (stromelysin-1) and TIMP-1, -2 and -3 in both IPM and vitreous. MMP-7 (matrilysin) and MMP-12 (metalloelastase) were not found in either IPM or vitreous.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first demonstration of the MMPs and TIMPs in human IPM and of the TIMPs in human vitreous. While these enzymes are most likely involved in normal turnover within the extracellular matrices that surround the neural retina, they may also play a role in a number of retinal diseases, particularly proliferative diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Plantner
J J
JJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-5068, USA. jjp3@po.cwru.edu
Smine
A
A
Quinn
T A
TA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000378:metabolism; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000378:metabolism*
D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases