MMP-2 is involved in synaptic remodeling after cochlear lesion.
Lesion-induced neuroplasticity, including fiber degeneration, axonal growth, and synaptogenesis, involves dynamical changes of the extracellular matrix. We discovered that the matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2), a major actor in extracellular matrix recomposition, is changed in distribution and increased in amount in the ventral cochlear nucleus after unilateral cochlear ablation. There was a remarkable coincidence of MMP-2 accumulation and GAP-43 expression in time and space. We obtained evidence indicating that MMP-2 is delivered to regions of emerging GAP-43 positive synaptic endings by postsynaptic neurons as well as by adjoining astrocytes. These results indicate a major role of MMP-2 in lesion-induced remodeling of central auditory networks and suggest a cooperativity with GAP-43-directed axonal outgrowth and synaptogenesis.
Fredrich
Michaela
M
Neurobiological Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. robert.illing@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Illing
Robert-Benjamin
RB
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D003051:Cochlea / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D019922:GAP-43 Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; C522363:Mmp2 protein, rat