Chlamydia trachomatis enhances the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in an in vitro model of the human fallopian tube infection.
OBJECTIVE
The sequelae of sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infection include fallopian tube scarring, which implies modification of the extracellular matrix. Our objective was to describe the production of two matrix metalloproteinases in response to chlamydial infection in vitro.


METHODS
Human fallopian tube organ cultures were infected with Chlamydia, and the production of matrix metalloproteinases was assessed by gelatin zymography, antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and in situ zymography.


RESULTS
Significantly elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were found in supernatants of infected segments. Immunohistochemistry and in situ zymography revealed that epithelial cells tended toward matrix metalloproteinase-2 production and that matrix metalloproteinase-9 exhibited a more diffuse stromal staining pattern.


CONCLUSIONS
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 are expressed in vitro in response to chlamydial infection. Enhanced matrix metalloproteinase production in some individuals in response to infection may lead to tubal scarring through the increased turnover and subsequent repair of the extracellular matrix.
Ault
Kevin A
KA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA.
Kelly
Kathleen A
KA
Ruther
Paul E
PE
Izzo
Angelo A
AA
Izzo
Lisa S
LS
Sigar
Ira M
IM
Ramsey
Kyle H
KH
D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000201:enzymology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*
D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9