Matrix metalloproteinase-12 is expressed in phagocytotic macrophages in active multiple sclerosis lesions.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteases involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, leukocyte infiltration into lesions and myelin degradation in the central nervous system (CNS) disease multiple sclerosis (MS). We have investigated whether MMP-12 (macrophage metalloelastase) is expressed in MS lesions at various stages. In control patient tissue and (p)reactive MS lesions, only occasional microglial and astrocyte staining was detected. In contrast, in active demyelinating lesions, phagocytic macrophages were MMP-12 positive. A lower proportion of phagocytes was positive for MMP-12 in chronic active demyelinating lesions and inactive lesions. This suggests a role for MMP-12 during demyelination in MS.
Department of Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. cmp.vos@vumc.nl
Catharina M P
CM
Vos
Elise S
ES
van Haastert
Corline J A
CJ
de Groot
Paul
P
van der Valk
Helga E
HE
de Vries
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D053508:Matrix Metalloproteinase 12; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D010920:Placenta / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology
D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; C507122:MMP12 protein, human; D053508:Matrix Metalloproteinase 12