The identification of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in broiler chickens by immunohistochemistry.

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 using immunohistochemistry in the ascites syndrome of broiler chickens in a salt-induced experimental model. The presence of the enzymes in the lung, heart, liver, kidney and brain was evaluated semi-quantitatively with the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase (Strep-ABC) method using commercially available primary monoclonal antibodies. Immunostaining of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was more intense and extensive in ascitic broilers than in the controls, although a decrease was seen with increasing age both in normal and ascitic chickens. The presence of MMP-9 enzyme was negatively correlated with the presence of TIMP-1 enzyme. It is suggested that MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes might play a role in the permeability increase of vessel walls by the destruction of the basement membranes in the salt-induced experimental ascites syndrome in broiler chickens.