[Dynamic expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, membrane type-matrix metalloproteinase-2 in experimental hepatic fibrosis and its reversal in rat].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression dynamics and significance of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) membrane type-matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MT-MMP-2) in hepatic fibrosis and its reversal counterpart.


METHODS
An experimental CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis rat model was established by intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks, and normal rats were used as a control group. The immunohistochemical methods and in situ hybridization were used to detect MMP-2,MT-MMP-2 mRNA and related antigens in the liver.


RESULTS
MMP-2,MT-MMP-2 mRNA and related antigens were expressed in mesenchymal cells and parts of hepatocytes besides active pathological changes, especially in the fibrous septum and portal area. Expression of MMP-2,MT-MMP-2 mRNA and related antigens were increased in hepatic fibrosis and decreased gradually in its reversal counterpart.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggested that mesenchymal cells are the main cellular origins of MMPs. The levels of MMP-2 and MT-MMP-2 antigens and gene expression were closely related to hepatic fibrosis. MMP-2 and MT-MMP-2 may play important roles in hepatic fibrosis and its reversal counterpart.
Zhao
Zhi-hai
ZH
The No.302 Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100039, China.
Xin
Shao-jie
SJ
Zhao
Jing-min
JM
Wang
Song-shan
SS
Liu
Ping
P
Yin
Tie-yong
TY
Zhou
Guang-de
GD
D000818:Animals; D002252:Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2