Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers was performed to analyze the presence of MT1-, MT2-, MT3-, and MT4-MMP in synovial tissue and synovial fibroblasts from 10 patients with RA and 4 subjects without arthritis. In addition, in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes was used to investigate the expression pattern of MT- MMPs in the synovium of these subjects. MT- MMP-expressing cells were characterized by immunohistochemical double labeling with anti-CD68 monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Reverse transcription-PCR revealed the expression of MT1-, MT2-, MT3-, and MT4-MMP mRNA in all tissues and cell cultures examined. However, in situ hybridization showed considerable differences in the expression pattern of the different MT- MMPs in RA synovium. MT1- and MT3-MMP mRNA were highly expressed in both the lining and the sublining layer, with more intense staining in the lining. Immunohistochemical double labeling demonstrated the presence of mRNA for MT1-MMP in fibroblasts and macrophages, as well as in osteoclast-like cells at sites of bone resorption. Expression of MT3-MMP mRNA was seen in fibroblasts and some macrophages. Expression of MT2- and MT4-MMP was characterized by staining of only a few CD68-negative fibroblasts, and no differences could be found between the lining and sublining. Normal synovial samples showed only limited staining for all MT- MMPs. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a role for MT1-MMP not only in the matrix degradation by fibroblasts, but also in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in RA. Given the ability of MT1-MMP to activate MMP-2 and MMP-13, the findings also point to a cooperation between fibroblasts and macrophages in degrading cartilage and bone. While MT3-MMP is also intensely expressed in RA synovium, MT2- and MT4-MMP appear not to be involved in rheumatoid joint destruction.
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Authors | T Pap, Y Shigeyama, S Kuchen, J K Fernihough, B Simmen, R E Gay, M Billingham, S Gay |
Journal | Arthritis and rheumatism
(Arthritis Rheum)
Vol. 43
Issue 6
Pg. 1226-32
(Jun 2000)
ISSN: 0004-3591 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10857781
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Protein Isoforms
- RNA, Messenger
- Matrix Metalloproteinases
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Topics |
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(enzymology, metabolism)
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- In Situ Hybridization
- Matrix Metalloproteinases
(genetics, metabolism)
- Protein Isoforms
(genetics, metabolism)
- RNA, Messenger
(metabolism)
- Reference Values
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Synovial Membrane
(metabolism)
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