Localization of matrix metalloproteinase 2 within the aneurysmal and normal aortic wall.
BACKGROUND
Current research has shed new light on the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). MMP-2 is a major protease in the wall of small aneurysms and is produced at increased levels by smooth muscle cells derived from AAAs compared with normal controls. In vivo, MMP-2 is produced as an inactive proenzyme that is activated predominantly by the cell membrane-bound enzyme, membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). This study investigated the production of the MMP-2-MT1-MMP-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) 2 system within the wall of aortic aneurysms and in age-matched control arterial tissue.


METHODS
Arterial tissue from four patients with aortic aneurysms and four age-matched aortic samples was examined for the production and expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP protein using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and in situ zymography.


RESULTS
All components of the MMP-2-TIMP-2-MT1-MMP enzyme system were detected in the arterial wall of both aneurysm and control samples, specifically in the medial tissue. The enzymes co-localized with medial smooth muscle cells. Gelatinolytic activity was localized to elastin fibres in normal and aneurysmal aorta.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of MT1-MMP within the media of arterial tissue suggests a powerful pathway for the activation of MMP-2. The localization of the MMP-2-TIMP-2-MT1-MMP enzyme system to the medial layer of the arterial wall gives support to the concept that this system may play an aetiological role in the pathogenesis of AAAs.
Crowther
M
M
Departments of Surgery and Pathology, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
Goodall
S
S
Jones
J L
JL
Bell
P R
PR
Thompson
M M
MM
D000368:Aged; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000201:enzymology*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / Q000378:metabolism
D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2