Smooth muscle cell matrix metalloproteinases in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results from persistent vasoconstriction, smooth muscle growth and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling of pulmonary arteries (PAs). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are matrix-degrading enzymes involved in ECM turnover, and in smooth muscle cell (SMC) and endothelial cell migration and proliferation. MMP expression and activity are increased in experimental PAH. Therefore, this study investigated whether similar changes occur in idiopathic PAH (IPAH; formerly known as primary pulmonary hypertension). Both in situ and in vitro studies were performed on PAs from patients undergoing lung transplantation for IPAH and from patients treated by lobectomy for localised lung cancer, who served as controls. In IPAH, MMP-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) imbalance was found in cultured PA-SMCs, with increased TIMP-1 and decreased MMP-3. MMP-2 activity was markedly elevated as a result of increases in both total MMP-2 and proportion of active MMP-2. In situ zymography and immunolocalisation showed that MMP-2 was associated with SMCs and elastic fibres, and also confirmed the MMP-3-TIMP-1 imbalance. In conclusion, the findings of this study were consistent with a role for the matrix metalloproteinase-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase system in pulmonary vascular remodelling in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. The matrix metalloproteinase-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase imbalance may lead to matrix accumulation, and increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity may contribute to smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. Whether these abnormalities are potential therapeutic targets deserves further investigation.

Evaluation of basement membrane degradation during TNF-alpha-induced increase in epithelial permeability.

We evaluated whether tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha induces an increase in permeability of an alveolar epithelial monolayer via gelatinase secretion and basement membrane degradation. Gelatinase secretion and epithelial permeability to radiolabeled albumin under unstimulated and TNF-alpha-stimulated conditions of an A549 human epithelial cell line were evaluated in vitro. TNF-alpha induced both upregulation of a 92-kDa gelatinolytic activity (pro form in cell supernatant and activated form in extracellular matrix) and an increase in the epithelial permeability coefficient compared with the unstimulated condition (control: 1.34 +/- 0.04 x 10(-6) cm/s; 1 microg/ml TNF-alpha: 1.47 +/- 0.05 x 10(-6) cm/s, P < 0.05). The permeability increase in the TNF-alpha-stimulated condition involved both paracellular permeability, with gap formation visualized by actin cytoskeleton staining, and basement membrane permeability, with an increase in the basement membrane permeability coefficient (determined after cell removal; control: 2.58 +/- 0.07 x 10(-6) cm/s; 1 microg/ml TNF-alpha: 2.82 +/- 0.02.10(-6) x cm/s, P < 0.05). Because addition of gelatinase inhibitors [tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 or BB-3103] to cell supernatants failed to inhibit the permeability increase, the gelatinase-inhibitor balance in the cellular microenvironment was further evaluated by cell culture on a radiolabeled collagen matrix. In the unstimulated condition, spontaneous collagenolytic activity inhibited by addition to the matrix of 1 microg/ml TIMP-1 or 10(-6) M BB-3103 was found. TNF-alpha failed to increase this collagenolytic activity because it was associated with dose-dependent upregulation of TIMP-1 secretion by alveolar epithelial cells. In conclusion, induction by TNF-alpha of upregulation of both the 92-kDa gelatinase and its inhibitor TIMP-1 results in maintenance of the gelatinase-inhibitor balance, indicating that basement membrane degradation does not mediate the TNF-alpha-induced increase in alveolar epithelial monolayer permeability.

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in nasal polyps.

To investigate the role of gelatinases in nasal polyposis, a common and disabling airway disease characterized by chronic inflammation and tissue remodelling, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression was investigated in the nasal polyps (NP) of 24 patients undergoing ethmoidectomy and compared with 15 control nasal mucosal (CM) samples obtained from snorers during turbinectomy. Tissue samples were either frozen for enzymatic analysis or paraffin wax-embedded for immunohistochemistry. Zymography and quantitative image analysis showed that MMP-9 active forms were significantly increased (p<0.05) in NPs compared to CM (44 +/- 40 versus 13 +/- 19x10(3) AU/10 microg protein), while MMP-2 expression was similar in both tissues. Concomitant studies of gelatinase immunoexpression showed that MMP-9 expression was enhanced (4- to 16-fold) in surface epithelium, glands (p<0.05), and submucosal inflammatory cells (p<0.05). In addition, MMP-9 positivity was markedly increased in endothelial cells (p<0.01). In situ zymography demonstrated marked gelatinolytic activity, consistent with the immunolocalization of MMP-2 and MMP-9. These results suggest up-regulation of active MMP-9 in the glands and vessels characteristic of NPs. It is concluded that MMP-9 may play a role in the upper airway remodelling observed during nasal polyposis.

Gelatinase expression in pulmonary arteries during experimental pulmonary hypertension.

Structural remodelling of pulmonary vessels is an important feature of pulmonary hypertension (PH), which reflects distal artery muscularization and matrix remodelling. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in extracellular matrix turnover and hence, in smooth muscle cell migration and endothelial cell migration and proliferation. Among the MMPs, gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) can degrade basement membrane components and promote cell proliferation and migration. This study evaluated gelatinases in pulmonary vessels during progressive PH in two rat models: exposure to hypoxia or monocrotaline. Zymography of tissue homogenates revealed an association of progression of hypoxic PH with a time-dependent increase in gelatinase MMP-2 activity, specific to pulmonary vessels. Increased MMP-2 activity was also found 30 days postmonocrotaline. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated upregulation of MMP-2 messenger ribonucleic acid. Immunolocalization showed MMP-2 throughout the pulmonary vasculature, from the trunk to the distal vessels, with strong staining of the intima, media and adventitia. MMP-2 was found in its active form and gelatinolytic activity was correlated to PH severity. Activity localization by in situ zymography corroborated with the immunolocalization findings. In conclusion, the authors demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity is increased in pulmonary vessels during progression of pulmonary hypertension, probably as a result of involvement in the matrix turnover associated with vascular remodelling during pulmonary hypertension.

Angiotensin II induces nuclear factor- kappa B activation in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes through protein kinase C signaling pathway.

Rat neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes (RNVM) possess G protein-coupled AT(1)receptors for angiotensin II (AngII) that activate multiple intracellular pathways. To elucidate potential signaling mechanisms involved, we focussed on the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF- kappa B) in RNVM culture. Using specific antibody to NF- kappa Bp65, immunolocalization of NF- kappa B was cytoplasmic in unstimulated cardiomyocytes, whereas NF- kappa B was translocated into the RNVM nucleus in response to AngII. This translocation was inhibited in the presence of calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC). Western blot analysis showed an increase of NF- kappa B in AngII-stimulated cardiomyocyte nuclear extracts as compared to controls. Biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA analysis) of NF- kappa B activation showed that only AngII-nuclear extracts bound to NF- kappa B consensus sequence with a high degree of affinity. This DNA-binding capacity was completely lost in calphostin C-treated cells. At transcriptional level in RNVM, AngII mediates the upregulation of matrix gelatinase (MMP-9), which is totally inhibited by calphostin C treatment. In conclusion, cardiomyocyte nuclear NF- kappa B translocation in response to Ang II via PKC pathway activates cardiomyocyte-specific transcription of MMP-9 and may activate transcription from responsive genes which are involved in cardiac hypertrophy process and/or cardiac remodeling.

Quantitative study of beta1-integrin expression and fibronectin interaction profile of T lymphocytes in vitro infected with HIV.

Cell-extracellular matrix interactions, regulated in part by beta1-integrins, play a key role in the recirculation of T lymphocytes and tissue infiltration in inflammatory and immune responses. HIV infection may affect CD4+ T cell adhesion, and the trafficking and migration of these cells, which are crucial for foreign antigen recognition. We investigated this by studying the expression of the beta1-integrin chains CD29 and CD49c, -d, -e, and -f, on in vitro HIV-infected primary T cells. We also assessed fibronectin binding and production by CD4+ lymphocytes. X4 (HIV-1/LAI), R5 (HIV-1/Ba-L), and X4R5 (HIV-2/ROD) strains, and X4R5 primary isolates (HIV-1/DAS, HIV-1/THI), with different cytopathogenicity and replication kinetics, were used. Beta1-integrin expression on CD4+ and CD4- T cell subpopulations was regulated by cell activation with phytohemagglutinin-P and interleukin 2, but was unaffected by HIV infection, even at the peak of viral replication and CD4+ cell depletion. Similarly, fibronectin binding to CD4+ lymphocytes was not affected by HIV infection. This suggests that infected lymphocytes may be able to extravasate, migrate, and recirculate within the body until their death.

Increased expression of gelatinases and alteration of basement membrane in rat soleus muscle following femoral artery ligation.

Acute severe muscle ischaemia is characterized by significant remodelling of basement membranes of myofibres. It was hypothesized that peripheral artery insufficiency is accompanied by similar muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) changes involving matrix metalloproteinase gelatinases. Using a model of femoral artery ligation, both gelatinase activity and basement membrane component degradation were studied in hindlimb skeletal muscles. SDS-PAGE zymography of muscle homogenates showed that acute moderate ischaemia was followed by a significant transient increase in expression of 72- and 92-kDa gelatinases during 48 h; the latter probably originated from inflammatory cells. In situ zymography showed that this increase occurred chiefly at the periphery of myofibres. Immunolocalization demonstrated 72-kDa gelatinase in interspaces and at the periphery of myofibres, and suggested that this enzyme may explain the gelatinolytic activities found by in situ zymography. Type IV collagen and laminin staining showed that the gelatinase expression increase correlated with dramatic basement membrane component alterations. Our data show that even moderate ischaemia results in significant muscle basement membrane remodelling due to matrix degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) gelatinases.

Induction of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase) by retinoic acid in human neuroblastoma SKNBE cells: relevance to neuronal differentiation.

Retinoic acid (RA) has been shown to induce human neuroblastoma SKNBE cell differentiation into a neuronal phenotype. Whether this neuronal differentiation is associated with modulation of matrix gelatinase [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9] expression was investigated in SKNBE cell cultures exposed to RA for 14 days. Their differentiation into a neuronal phenotype was typified by neural cell adhesion molecule and growth-associated protein-43 expression. Gelatinase expression was assessed by gel zymography, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry. Neuronal markers were located in neurites and ganglion-like clusters of neuronal cells induced upon RA exposure. MMP-2 expression was constitutive and remained unchanged at both the mRNA and protein levels in response to RA, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment. In contrast, MMP-9 was inducible by RA, TNFalpha, or PMA. MMP-9 was progressively enhanced by RA as a function of time exposure until day 14. The addition of TNFalpha or PMA potentiated RA-induced MMP-9 expression with a synergic maximal effect at day 14 of RA exposure. Immunoreactive MMP-9 was located early in outgrowing neurites, but only at day 14 of RA exposure in extensive neuritic networks. Taken together, the correlation between the MMP-9 expression by SKNBE cells and the time scale of their differentiation into a neuronal phenotype allowed us to propose that MMP-9 could participate in the neurite growth process and cell migration and organization into ganglion-like clusters.

Overexpression of alveolar macrophage gelatinase B (MMP-9) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: effects of steroid and immunosuppressive treatment.

Alveolar macrophages (AM) express gelatinase B, a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family involved in the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix components. We evaluated the expression of gelatinase B in the course of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by studying alveolar macrophages in culture AM and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 12 untreated patients with IPF, 11 patients with IPF under treatment with steroid and immunosuppressive agents, and 10 control subjects. By using zymography and quantitative image analysis, latent gelatinase B, as well an 88-kD active form, were investigated in culture medium (24 h) of AMs and were found to be significantly increased (P < 0.01) in untreated patients exhibiting severe IPF when compared with control subjects (4.1 +/- 1.7 versus 0.3 +/- 0.2 10(5) arbitrary units [AU]/10(4) AM for the 92-kD form). Concomitant studies of gelatinase B levels associated with cultured AM extracts or freshly harvested AM showed similar results, both at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Immunocytochemical studies on freshly harvested AM demonstrated that the enzyme was located mainly at the cell, suggesting some involvement of gelatinase B in AM migration. In contrast, gelatinase B activity secreted by AM tended to be normal in patients with IPF under steroid and immunosuppressive treatment. Simultaneously, level of the gelatinase B activity in epithelial lining fluid was increased in untreated IPF patients, whereas it was normal in treated patients. These results suggest that AM of patients with IPF are primed for gelatinase B expression and that steroid and immunosuppressive treatment induces negative modulation of the gelatinase B overexpression. We conclude that gelatinase B may play a role in lung remodeling in IPF.

Matrix metalloproteinase gelatinases in sulfur mustard-induced acute airway injury in guinea pigs.

Respiratory tract lesions induced by sulfur mustard (SM), a chemical warfare agent, are characterized by epithelial damage associated with inflammatory cell infiltration. To test the potential role of matrix metalloproteinase gelatinases in these lesions, we evaluated gelatinase activity, albumin content, and total cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of guinea pigs 24 h after an intratracheal injection of 0.2 mg/kg of SM. The bronchial lavage and alveolar lavage fluids were analyzed separately. The increase in inflammatory cell content of the bronchial lavage fluid, mainly macrophages, observed in SM-intoxicated guinea pigs was accompanied by an increase in albumin and in 92-kDa gelatinase activity. There was a significant correlation between albumin content and 92-kDa gelatinase activity (r = 0.67) and between 92-kDa gelatinase and the number of macrophages. Immunohistochemistry performed on tracheal sections showed the presence of 92-kDa gelatinase at the site of intraepithelial cleavages. Zymography analysis of culture medium conditioned by guinea pig tracheal epithelial cells demonstrated that these cells produced in vitro 92-kDa gelatinase on stimulation. Culture of human bronchial epithelial cells obtained by the explant technique showed a marked increase in 92-kDa gelatinase after exposure to 5 x 10(-5) M SM that reinforced the relevance of our animal results to human exposure to SM. These results suggest that in SM respiratory intoxication, 92-kDa gelatinase of both inflammatory and epithelial cell origins could be involved in epithelial cell detachment.

Contribution of 92 kDa gelatinase/type IV collagenase in bronchial inflammation during status asthmaticus.

In order to assess inflammatory features related to severe asthma as compared with mild asthma, we investigated the secretion of 92 kDa gelatinase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in bronchial lavages of six patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) for status asthmaticus (SA) and in six patients with mild asthma. Ten healthy nonventilated patients and four patients under MV without preexisting respiratory disease were also investigated. Patients with SA were characterized by prominent neutrophilic inflammation (82 +/- 4% versus 10% in mild asthma). On the basis of enzymatic and immunological analysis, results showed an acute 10- to 160-fold increase of 92 kDa gelatinase (MMP-9) concentration in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) from patients with SA, together with activated forms (46 and 26 kDa) of stromelysin-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-3) and detectable concentration of free metallogelatinolytic activity (1-5 micrograms gelatin hydrolyzed/48 h/ml ELF). Concomitant elevated level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was shown only in patients with SA, thus counterbalancing, at least partially, excess of activated 92 kDa gelatinase. Acutely enhanced albumin levels were only observed in patients with SA; in addition, 92 kDa gelatinase and albumin levels were significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.96, p < 0.0001), suggesting that 92 kDa gelatinase may account for increased bronchial permeability in patients with SA. Several arguments support that 92 kDa gelatinase during SA originates both from numerous activated chemoattracted neutrophils and from activated bronchial epithelial cells in response to in situ lung injury. The fact that no relevant change in ELF, albumin, MMP-9, MMP-3, TIMP-1, or laminin degradation products was observed during mild asthma, strongly supports that the mechanism of airway inflammation in SA is quite distinct from that observed in mild asthma.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in regenerating skeletal muscle: a study in experimentally injured and mdx muscles.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cooperatively degrade all components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Remodeling of ECM during skeletal muscle degeneration and regeneration suggests a tight regulation of matrix-degrading activity during muscle regeneration. In this study, we investigated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, in normal muscles and their regulation during regeneration process. We further investigated their secretion by C2C12 myogenic cell line. Two models of muscle degeneration-regeneration were used: (1) normal muscles in which necrosis was experimentally induced by cardiotoxin injection; (2) mdx muscles which exhibit recurrent signs of focal myofiber necrosis followed by successful regeneration. MMPs were studied by zymography; their free activity was quantified using 3H-labeled gelatin substrate and mRNA expression was followed by Northern hybridization. Muscle degeneration-regeneration was analyzed by conventional morphological methods and in situ hybridization was performed on muscle sections to identify the cells expressing these MMPs. Results show that MMP-2, but not MMP-9 expression, is constitutive in normal muscles. Upon injury, the active form of MMP-2 is transiently increased, whereas MMP-9 is induced within 24 h and remains present for several days. Quantitative assays of free gelatinolytic activity show a progressive and steady increase that culminates at 7 days postinjury and slowly returns to normal levels. In adult mdx mice, both pro and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 are expressed. Northern blot results support these findings. Zymography of C2C12-conditioned medium shows that myogenic cells produce MMP-2. By in situ hybridization we localized MMP-9 mRNA in inflammatory cells and putative activated satellite cells in injured muscles. Our data allow the correlation of the differential expression of pro and/or active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 with different stages of the degeneration-regeneration process: MMP-9 expression is related to the inflammatory response and probably to the activation of satellite cells, whereas MMP-2 activation is concomitant with the regeneration of new myofibers.

Role of collagenase in mediating in vitro alveolar epithelial wound repair.

Type II pneumocytes are essential for repair of the injured alveolar epithelium. The effect of two MMP collagenases, MMP-1 and MMP-13 on alveolar epithelial repair was studied in vitro. The A549 alveolar epithelial cell line and primary rat alveolar epithelial cell cultures were used. Cell adhesion and cell migration were measured with and without exogenous MMP-1. Wound healing of a cell monolayer of rat alveolar epithelial cell after a mechanical injury was evaluated by time lapse video analysis. Cell adhesion on type I collagen, as well as cytoskeleton stiffness, was decreased in the presence of exogenous collagenases. A similar decrease was observed when cell adhesion was tested on collagen that was first incubated with MMP-1 (versus control on intact collagen). Cell migration on type I collagen was promoted by collagenases. Wound healing of an alveolar epithelial cell monolayer was enhanced in the presence of exogenous collagenases. Our results suggest that collagenases could modulate the repair process by decreasing cell adhesion and cell stiffness, and by increasing cell migration on type I collagen. Collagen degradation could modify cell adhesion sites and collagen degradation peptides could induce alveolar type II pneumocyte migration. New insights regarding alveolar epithelial cell migration are particularly relevant to investigate early events during alveolar epithelial repair following lung injury.

Altered balance between matrix gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors in human dilated cardiomyopathy: potential role of MMP-9 in myosin-heavy chain degradation.

BACKGROUND: End-stage of human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by myocyte loss and fibrosis, and associated with ventricular dilatation and reduced cardiac function. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) have been involved in the myocardial remodeling. AIMS: To evaluate the potential role of matrix gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in DCM, the balance between gelatinases and TIMPs and the gelatinase localization were investigated in left free wall ventricles from six normal donors and six patients with DCM at the transplantation time. METHODS: TIMP-(1, 2, 3 and 4) mRNAs were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TIMP-1 and -2 protein content was assessed by ELISA. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were examined by zymography and immunological techniques. RESULTS: All TIMPs were down-regulated in DCM hearts, especially TIMP-1 (reduced by 80%). Gel zymography revealed similar activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in both tissues. By in situ zymography and immunohistochemistry, active and immunoreactive gelatinases were pericardiomyocyte in control hearts and intracardiomyocyte in DCM hearts. Intracellular MMPs were associated with sarcomeric structure in DCM. To estimate a putative role of these gelatinases, several sarcomeric contractile proteins were digested in vitro by purified active MMP-9. Only myosin-heavy chain was cleaved in vitro giving 180-, 120-, 80- and 20-kDa proteolytic fragments. In vivo, two major myosin-heavy chain proteolytic fragments (80 and 20 kDa) were detected by specific monoclonal antibody against myosin-heavy chain in DCM left ventricular homogenates, only. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data highly suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be involved in the disorganization of the contractile apparatus in DCM hearts.

Protective effect of endotoxin instillation on subsequent bacteria-induced acute lung injury in rats.

The phagocytic capability afforded by neutrophil influx into the lungs is essential to ward off invading bacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prior neutrophil recruitment induced by alveolar instillation of endotoxin (LPS, 200 micrograms/kg) 16 h before a pulmonary infection caused by instillation of live Pseudomonas aeruginosa ([PYO]: 1.5 x 10(8) colony-forming units [cfu]/kg) in rats. A first series of experiments showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation induced recruitment of alveolar neutrophils that were capable, ex vivo, of elastase exocytosis, reactive oxygen species secretion, and PYO killing. In a second set of experiments, LPS followed by PYO was compared with PYO alone (n = 11 surviving rats in each group). Parameters were studied 24 h after the bacterial challenge. As compared with PYO alone, pretreatment with LPS followed by PYO was associated with decreased mortality (0% versus 54%, p < 0.05), decreased protein leakage into bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (1.8 +/- 0.4 versus 13.5 +/- 2.2 mg/ml, p < 0.001), and improved bacterial clearance from BAL (4.0 +/- 1.4 x 10(2) versus 1.2 +/- 0.5 x 10(4) cfu/ml, p < 0.05) and from pulmonary parenchyma (8.5 +/- 6.4 x 10(5) versus 1.9 +/- 0.8 x 10(7) cfu/ml, p < 0.05). We conclude that prior alveolar endotoxin instillation induces local recruitment of functionally active neutrophils, and that this is associated with resistance to subsequent experimental pneumonia.

Relationship of serum neutral endopeptidase E.C.3.4.24.11 activity to alcohol consumption.

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is an ubiquitous enzyme that inactivates numerous endogenous peptides in the brain, kidney, and lung in vivo. The origin of the circulating soluble form and its determinants are largely unknown. The relationships of smoking habits and alcohol consumption to serum NEP activity have been explored in a longitudinal epidemiological study conducted in 204 Lorraine coal miners. At both surveys, 4 years apart, NEP activity was significantly related to alcohol consumption (in grams/day) reported by questionnaire, with correlation coefficients of 0.26 (p = 0.001) in 1990 and 0.23 (p = 0.001) in 1994. The correlations of gamma-glutamyltransferase to NEP activity were even stronger with correlation coefficients of 0.71 (p = 0.0001) in 1990 and 0.79 (p = 0.0001) in 1994. Longitudinally, the change in NEP activity between the first and the second surveys was significantly correlated with change in alcohol consumption (r = to 0.18, p = 0.02) and with change in gamma-glutamyltransferase level (r = 0.60, p = 0.0001). Serum NEP activity was unrelated to smoking habits. Results support the hypothesis of a causal role of alcohol on serum NEP activity.

Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in denervated muscle and injured nerve.

Nerve crush or axotomy results in a transient or longterm denervation accompanied by remodelling in nerve, muscle and neuromuscular junctions. These changes include an increased turnover of several extracellular matrix molecules and proliferation of Schwann cells in injured nerves. Given the role of matrix degrading metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 (gelatinases-type IV collagenases) in extracellular matrix remodelling, we investigated their regulation and activation in denervated muscles and injured nerves in mice. For this, immunofluorescence using MMP-2 and MMP-9 antibodies was carried concomitantly with gelatin zymography and quantification of gelatinase activity using [3H]-gelatin substrate. Results show that in normal mouse muscles MMP-2 and MMP-9 are localized at the neuromuscular junctions, in Schwann cells and the perineurium of the intramuscular nerves. In denervated mouse muscles, MMP-2 immunolabelling persists at the neuromuscular junctions but decreases in the nerves whereas MMP-9 immunolabelling persists at the neuromuscular junctions but is enhanced in degenerated intramuscular nerves. Denervated muscles did not show any significant change of gelatinolytic activity or expression pattern, while injured nerves exhibited a transient increase of MMP-9 and activation of MMP-2. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MMP-2 and MMP-9 are expressed at mouse neuromuscular junctions and that their localization and expression pattern appear not to be modified by denervation. Their modulation in injured nerves suggests they are involved in axonal degeneration and regeneration.

Cell-matrix interactions modulate 92-kD gelatinase expression by human bronchial epithelial cells.

We have previously reported that primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) cultured on types I + III collagen were able to differentially regulate the production of major constitutive 92-kD gelatinase, minor 72-kD gelatinase, and their tissue-specific inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting that HBECs may be involved in vivo in the active remodeling of the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we examined the possible effects of specific type IV collagen as compared with types I + III collagen on HBEC behavior and function. We investigated 92-kD gelatinase and TIMP-1 expression with zymography and reverse zymography, respectively, at the protein level, and with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the mRNA level. Results showed similar morphologic features and identical proliferation rates of HBECs in response to the two matrix substrates. Nevertheless, differences at the protein and mRNA levels between HBEC cultures on type IV collagen and on types I + III collagen included: (1) a lower basal level of 92-kD gelatinase production; (2) less upregulation of 92-kD gelatinase in response to LPS endotoxin or to the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); and (3) loss of activation of the proforms of the 92-kD and 72-kD gelatinases. These findings, together with the maintenance of TIMP-1 expression, strongly suggest that type IV collagen used as a matrix substratum is associated with a homeostatic HBEC phenotype, and limits the ability of HBECs to degrade the matrix. In contrast, types I + III collagen may be associated with a matrix resorption phenotype corresponding to active matrix remodeling and repair. Thus, the ECM underlying HBECs may modulate matrix remodeling by HBECs, particularly in response to inflammatory processes during acute lung injury.

Modulatory effects of PKC activity on increased 92-kDa gelatinase secretion by neonatal alveolar macrophages.

We previously demonstrated that alveolar macrophages (AMs) from neonatal rats can secrete more 92-kDa gelatinase than AMs from adult rats. In this study, we investigated the role of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway in the transductional regulation of 92-kDa gelatinase secretion by rat AMs, and we also evaluated maturational changes in this role with increasing postnatal age. After AM stimulation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), we observed a dose-dependent increase in gelatinase secretion that was significantly more marked in AMs from 6-day-old rats than in AMs from adult rats and that was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate mimetics or concanavalin A failed to induce an increase in gelatinase secretion by AMs. Time-dependent variations in PKC activity after PMA stimulation differed significantly between 6-day-old rats and adult rats; PKC activity decreased in adult AMs (50%) but remained stable in 6-day-old AMs. We therefore investigated age-related differences in the intracellular proteolytic degradation of PKC, which is thought to be mediated by calpains. Leupeptin, used as a calpain inhibitor, inhibited the decrease in PKC activity after exposure of adult AMs to PMA and induced a greater than threefold increase in PMA-induced gelatinase secretion. Calpain activity was significantly lower in AM extracts from 6-day-old than from adult rats. The physiological implication of these developmental changes in 92-kDa gelatinase regulation was demonstrated by investigation of AMs from 1-day-old rats that showed a high level of spontaneous PKC-dependent gelatinase secretion coexisting with very low calpain activity. We conclude that sustained PKC activity is a key factor in the increased gelatinase secretion by AMs seen during the postnatal period and is due, at least in part, to reduced PKC degradation.