Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase enhances lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer

The mechanisms of the lymph node metastasis remain unclear. We demonstrate the role of MT1-MMP on the lymph node metastasis using in vivo experimental model of lymph node metastasis by orthotopic implantation of MT1-MMP transfected gastric cancer cell line in the stomach of nude rats. TMK-1 cell line without expression of MT1-MMP was transfected with the pcDNA3 plasmid containing a 3.4-kb MT1-MMP cDNA fragment by calcium phosphate method, and the transfected cell line was designated as TMK-MT. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses showed the specific bands corresponding to MT1-MMP in the TMK-MT cells. By gelatin zymography, the activated form (62-kDa) of MMP-2 was identified in the medium of TMK-MT cell line, but was not detected in TMK-1 cells. Six weeks after orthotopic implantation of TMK-1 and TMK-MT xenografts of nude mouse-subcutaneus tumor into the stomach of nude rats, gastric tumors were found in all the animals. Histologically, the lymphatic invasion was found in the submucosa of the TMK-MT gastric tumors. Lymph node metastasis was not detected in nude rats bearing TMK-1 gastric tumor (0/8). In contrast, lymph node metastasis was detected in five out of 8 rats, bearing TMK-MT gastric tumor. MT1-MMP immunoreactivity was found on the cell membrane and cytoplasm of TMK-MT cells not only in the lymph node metastasis but also in the stomach tumor. These results suggest that MT1-MMP overexpression induced by transfection of its gene may promote lymph node metastasis of transformed cells.

Claudin promotes activation of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 mediated by membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases

Genes associated with regulation of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP)-mediated pro-MMP-2 processing were screened in 293T cells by a newly developed expression cloning method. One of the gene products, which promoted processing of pro-MMP-2 by MT1-MMP was claudin-5, a major component of endothelial tight junctions. Expression of claudin-5 not only replaced TIMP-2 in pro-MMP-2 activation by MT1-MMP but also promoted activation of pro-MMP-2 mediated by all MT-MMPs and MT1-MMP mutants lacking the transmembrane domain (DeltaMT1-MMP). A carboxyl-terminal deletion mutant of pro-MMP-2 (proDeltaMMP-2) was processed to an intermediate form by MT1-MMP in 293T cells and was further converted to an activated form by introduction of claudin-5. In contrast to the stimulatory effect of TIMP-2 on pro-MMP-2 activation by MT1-MMP, activation of pro-MMP-2 by DeltaMT1-MMP in the presence of claudin-5 and proDeltaMMP-2 processing by MT1-MMP were both inversely repressed by expression of exogenous TIMP-2. These results suggest that TIMP-2 is not involved in cluadin-5-induced pro-MMP-2 activation by MT-MMPs. Stimulation of MT-MMP-mediated pro-MMP-2 activation was also observed with other claudin family members, claudin-1, claudin-2, and claudin-3. Amino acid substitutions or deletions in ectodomain of claudin-1 abolished stimulatory effect. Direct interaction of claudin-1 with MT1-MMP and MMP-2 was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation analysis. MT1-MMP was co-localized with claudin-1 not only at cell-cell borders, but also at other parts of the cells. TIMP-2 enhanced cell surface localization of MMP-2 mediated by MT1-MMP, and claudin-1 also stimulated it. These results suggest that claudin recruits all MT-MMPs and pro-MMP-2 on the cell surface to achieve elevated focal concentrations and, consequently, enhances activation of pro-MMP-2.

Usefulness of carperitide for the treatment of refractory heart failure due to severe acute myocardial infarction

Carperitide (synthetic atrial natriuretic peptide) is a newly developed drug for the treatment of heart failure. Although this drug has been used for various types of heart failure, it remains unknown whether it has additive effects on hemodynamic parameters or renal excretory function during intensive treatment for acute refractory heart failure. We have examined the cardiorenal and hormonal effects of carperitide (0.05-0.10 microg / min / kg) in 9 patients (mean age: 67+/-8 years) with severe heart failure complicated with acute myocardial infarction, in which a range of intensive treatments have already been started. Hemodynamic parameters were determined before and 4, 24 and 48 hours after initiation of carperitide. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (mean+/-SD) had decreased dramatically from 21+/-6 to 11+/-5 mmHg (p<0.01) 4 hours after the treatment without significant renal effects. Heart rate and systemic blood pressure were not significantly changed. These beneficial effects were maintained for at least 24 hours. Plasma aldosterone levels fell significantly in response to the drug (from 148+/-68 to 56+/-29 pg / ml; p<0.05). However, mean hourly urine output remained unchanged after carperitide. In conclusion, intravenous infusion of carperitide promptly and persistently reduces left ventricular filling pressure without diuresis, hypotension, reflex tachycardia, or neurohormonal activation in patients with refractory heart failure due to severe acute myocardial infarction.

A new halogenated antidiabetic vanadyl complex, bis(5-iodopicolinato)oxovanadium(IV): in vitro and in vivo insulinomimetic evaluations and metallokinetic analysis

A new vanadyl complex, bis(5-iodopicolinato)oxovanadium(IV), VO(IPA)2, with a VO(N2O2) coordination mode, was prepared by mixing 5-iodopicolinic acid and VOSO4 at pH 5, with the structure characterized by electronic absorption, IR, and EPR spectra. Introduction of the halogen atom on to the ligand enhanced the in vitro insulinomimetic activity (IC50 = 0.45 mM) compared with that of bis(picolinato)oxovanadium(IV) (IC50 = 0.59 mM). The hyperglycemia of streptozotocin-induced insulin-dependent diabetic rats was normalized when VO(IPA)2 was given by daily intraperitoneal injection. The normoglycemic effect continued for more than 14 days after the end of treatment. To understand the insulinomimetic action of VO(IPA)2, the organ distribution of vanadium and the blood disposition of vanadyl species were investigated. In diabetic rats treated with VO(IPA)2, vanadium was distributed in almost all tissues examined, especially in bone, indicating that the action of vanadium is not peripheral. Vanadyl concentrations in the blood of normal rats given VO(IPA)2 remain significantly higher and longer than those given other complexes because of its slower clearance rate. VO(IPA)2 binds with the membrane of erythrocytes, probably owing to its high hydrophobicity in addition to its binding with serum albumin. The longer residence of vanadyl species shows the higher normoglyceric effects of VO(IPA)2 among three complexes with the VO(N2O2) coordination mode. On the basis of these results, VO(IPA)2 is indicated to be a preferred agent to treat insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in experimental animals.

An orally active antidiabetic vanadyl complex, bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato)oxovanadium(IV), with VO(S2O2) coordination mode; in vitro and in vivo evaluations in rats

According to Pearson's HSAB (hard and soft acids and bases) rule, the vanadyl ion is classified as a hard acid. However, vanadyl-cysteine methyl ester and dithiocarbamate complexes with VO(S2N2) and VO(S4) coordination modes, respectively, that contain bonds with a combination of hard acid (VO2+) and soft base (sulfur) have been found to form stable complexes and exhibit insulin-mimetic activities in in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Based on such observations, a purple bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato)oxovanadium(IV) (VO(OPT)) complex with VO(S2O2) coordination mode was prepared and found to have a strong insulin-mimetic activity in in vitro evaluation, which followed in vivo effectiveness on intraperitoneal injection and oral administration. Then, we examined the real-time ESR analysis of vanadyl species in the blood of live rats given VO(OPT) by use of the blood circulation monitoring-ESR method. The clearance of vanadyl species from the blood in terms of half-life (t(1/2)) was determined as 15 min in VO(OPT)-treated rats, while t(1/2) of VOSO4-treated rats was 5 min, indicating the long-term acting character of VO(OPT). On the basis of the results, VO(OPT) with VO(S2O2) coordination mode is proposed to be a potent orally active insulin-mimetic complex in treating insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in experimental animals.

Human membrane type-2 matrix metalloproteinase is defective in cell-associated activation of progelatinase A

Transfection of the mouse membrane type-2 matrix metalloproteinase (MT2-MMP) gene into COS-1 cells resulted in activation of progelatinase A; however, that of the human gene had no effect. Expression of human and mouse MT2-MMP chimeric proteins revealed the defect of human MT2-MMP which resides in the region between amino acid (aa) residues 155 and 271. Seven aa residues in this region were not conserved between human and mouse MT2-MMP. Substitution with the corresponding mouse residue, proline-183 to serine and glutamine-185 to aspartic acid, recovered cell-associated progelatinase A activation function. These residues are located in the insertion sequence-2 (IS-2), which was conserved in six clones of the human MT2-MMP gene from different sources, except that of proline-183 which was substituted with serine from HT1080 cells. These results indicate that human MT2-MMP is defective in cell-associated activation of progelatinase A, and this is attributed to IS-2. These findings emphasize the importance of IS-2 in MT2-MMP functionality.

Circulating levels of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen and left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction

Alteration in myocardial collagen metabolism is an important factor in the progression of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). This study examined sequential changes in circulating levels of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) as a collagen synthesis marker in order to assess the value of PICP for predicting the progression of left ventricular remodeling after MI. The study group comprised 20 patients with first MI undergoing reperfusion therapy. Peripheral blood samples were obtained on admission and serially up to 4 weeks after admission. Circulating levels of PICP and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a tentative biochemical marker for the severity of MI, were measured by direct radioimmunoassay. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (EDVI) in acute and chronic phases were determined by left ventriculography, and changes (Delta) in EDVI were used as an index of left ventricular remodeling. Plasma PICP levels in the non-dilation group (< median DeltaEDVI) showed no significant change. However, in the dilation group (> median DeltaEDVI) PICP started to increase significantly 3 days after admission, peaking on day 14 (from 74 +/- 6 to 104 +/- 19 ng/ml, p < 0.05). DeltaEDVI was significantly correlated with plasma PICP at 2 and 3 weeks, and with plasma BNP at 1, 2 and 3 weeks. Plasma PICP 2 weeks after MI was the only independent predictor of DeltaEDVI (p < 0.001). These results suggest that an increase in plasma PICP levels 2 weeks after admission is a useful biochemical predictor of the progression of ventricular remodeling after MI.

Shc and FAK differentially regulate cell motility and directionality modulated by PTEN

Cell migration is modulated by regulatory molecules such as growth factors, oncogenes, and the tumor suppressor PTEN. We previously described inhibition of cell migration by PTEN and restoration of motility by focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p130 Crk-associated substrate (p130(Cas)). We now report a novel pathway regulating random cell motility involving Shc and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, which is downmodulated by PTEN and additive to a FAK pathway regulating directional migration. Overexpression of Shc or constitutively activated MEK1 in PTEN- reconstituted U87-MG cells stimulated integrin- mediated MAP kinase activation and cell migration. Conversely, overexpression of dominant negative Shc inhibited cell migration; Akt appeared uninvolved. PTEN directly dephosphorylated Shc. The migration induced by FAK or p130(Cas) was directionally persistent and involved extensive organization of actin microfilaments and focal adhesions. In contrast, Shc or MEK1 induced a random type of motility associated with less actin cytoskeletal and focal adhesion organization. These results identify two distinct, additive pathways regulating cell migration that are downregulated by tumor suppressor PTEN: one involves Shc, a MAP kinase pathway, and random migration, whereas the other involves FAK, p130(Cas), more extensive actin cytoskeletal organization, focal contacts, and directionally persistent cell motility. Integration of these pathways provides an intracellular mechanism for regulating the speed and the directionality of cell migration.

PTEN interactions with focal adhesion kinase and suppression of the extracellular matrix-dependent phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt cell survival pathway

The tumor suppressor PTEN is a phosphatase with sequence homology to tensin. PTEN dephosphorylates phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate (PIP3) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and it can inhibit cell growth, invasion, migration, and focal adhesions. We investigated molecular interactions of PTEN and FAK in glioblastoma and breast cancer cells lacking PTEN. The PTEN trapping mutant D92A bound wild-type FAK, requiring FAK autophosphorylation site Tyr397. In PTEN-mutated cancer cells, FAK phosphorylation was retained even in suspension after detachment from extracellular matrix, accompanied by enhanced PI 3-K association with FAK and sustained PI 3-K activity, PIP3 levels, and Akt phosphorylation; expression of exogenous PTEN suppressed all five properties. PTEN-mutated cells were resistant to apoptosis in suspension, but most of the cells entered apoptosis after expression of exogenous PTEN or wortmannin treatment. Moreover, overexpression of FAK in PTEN-transfected cells reversed the decreased FAK phosphorylation and PI 3-K activity, and it partially rescued PIP3 levels, Akt phosphorylation, and PTEN-induced apoptosis. Our results show that FAK Tyr397 is important in PTEN interactions with FAK, that PTEN regulates FAK phosphorylation and molecular associations after detachment from matrix, and that PTEN negatively regulates the extracellular matrix-dependent PI 3-K/Akt cell survival pathway in a process that can include FAK.

Tumor suppressor PTEN inhibition of cell invasion, migration, and growth: differential involvement of focal adhesion kinase and p130Cas

PTEN/MMAC1 is a major new tumor suppressor gene that encodes a dual-specificity phosphatase with sequence similarity to the cytoskeletal protein tensin. Recently, we reported that PTEN dephosphorylates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and inhibits cell migration, spreading, and focal adhesion formation. Here, the effects of PTEN on cell invasion, migration, and growth as well as the involvement of FAK and p130 Crk-associated substrate (p130Cas) were investigated in U87MG glioblastoma cells missing PTEN. Cell invasion, migration, and growth were down-regulated by expression of phosphatase-active forms of PTEN but not by PTEN with an inactive phosphatase domain; these effects were correlated with decreased tyrosine phosphorylation levels of FAK and p130Cas. Overexpression of FAK concomitant with PTEN resulted in increased total tyrosine phosphorylation levels of FAK and p130Cas and effectively antagonized the effects of PTEN on cell invasion and migration and partially on cell growth. Overexpression of p130Cas increased total tyrosine phosphorylation levels of p130Cas without affecting those of FAK; however, although p130Cas could reverse PTEN inhibition of cell invasion and migration, it did not rescue cell growth in U87MG cells. In contrast to FAK, p130Cas could not be shown to interact with PTEN in cells, and it was not dephosphorylated directly by PTEN in vitro. These results suggest important roles of PTEN in the phenotype of tumor progression, and that the effects of PTEN on cell invasion, migration, and growth are mediated by distinct downstream pathways that diverge at the level of FAK.

[The usefulness of MRCP in the initial diagnosis of the biliary and pancreatic diseases compared with ERCP]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and the limitation of the MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the initial diagnosis for the biliary and pancreatic diseases compared with the image of Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). MRCP showed higher performance toward the discovery of the choledocholithiasis of a diameter 4 mm and more. Furthermore, MRCP reflected a malignant tumor at the constrictive part and the dilated proximal part of the biliary and pancreatic duct in 23 example all. An advantage of ERCP was the ability to carry out biopsies and therapeutic procedures, such as biliary drainage and sphincterotomy, while MRCP was an important diagnostic modality in the work-up of the biliary and pancreatic diseases and could help in planning treatment. MRCP would become the examination method first used, and it would be popularized all the more from now on.

Control of plasma cholesterol-lowering action of probucol with various lipid carrier systems

In order to explore the relationship between the pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacological actions of lipophilic drugs injected with lipid carrier systems, probucol was selected as a model drug with high lipophilicity, and the effect of disposition control on cholesterol-lowering activities was evaluated. Both large emulsion, with mean diameter of 280 nm, and long-circulating type small emulsion containing egg sphingomyelin with mean diameter of 100 nm, showed stable incorporation of probucol. The former produced rapid accumulation of probucol in the liver, while the latter demonstrated prolonged systemic circulation and gradual hepatic uptake. On the other hand, injection of a micellar solution with HCO-60 (polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil) showed a rapid decrease in plasma concentration and a high hepatic uptake of probucol, similar to injections with serum, suggesting the rapid release of the drug from the micelles. However, probucol in a micellar solution showed higher cholesterol-lowering action than that in emulsion formulations. These results suggested that the pharmacological action of probucol in the liver might be affected by the uptake mode and sequential disposition in the organ, depending on the drug retention properties of the lipid carrier particles.

[The influence of anti-interferon-alpha 2a antibodies in initial daily four-week interferon-alpha 2a therapy for chronic hepatitis C]

Thirty-two patients with chronic active hepatitis C were initially treated with 9 million units of interferon (IFN)-alpha 2a daily for 4 weeks and then thrice weekly for 20 weeks. The incidence of development and influence on clinical effectiveness of anti-IFN alpha 2a neutralizing antibodies measured by bioassay were investigated. Thirteen (41%) of the 32 patients developed antibodies, 4 (12.5%) of whom exhibited a high titer of 128 NU or greater. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between responders and non-responders in the low viral load group (less than 10(5) copies/50 microliters) in the incidence of antibody development, with antibodies present in 2 of the 9 responders (22%) and 5 of the 7 non-responders (71%). There was also a significant difference between the antibody-negative and antibody-positive patients in circulating HCV-RNA, 2-5AS activity and average ALT levels at the latter half of treatment. In addition, 2-5AS activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05) at completion of treatment in the high antibody titer group (128 NU or greater) than in the low antibody titer group. These results indicate that the development of anti-IFN neutralizing antibodies had a definite influence on the clinical course of IFN treatment for chronic hepatitis C.

Elevated plasma levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction

The study was undertaken to measure plasma interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist and IL-10 concentrations in patients with acute myocardial infarction and to analyze their relationship to the hemodynamics, severity, and prognosis of myocardial infarction in its acute stages. We attempted to define the kinetics of IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 34, age 42-91 years, mean 68 years). Plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients in group A (n = 17) had uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (Killip class I). Patients in group B (n = 17) had severe acute myocardial infarction (Killip class II, III, or IV). Peak Il-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels in group B were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of group A. In group B, the peak IL-1 receptor antagonist levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell counts (r = 0.63, p = 0.006), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = 0.78, p = 0.0002), and cardiac index (r = -0.51, p = 0.04). Peak IL-10 levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell counts (r = 0.60, p = 0.01), the pulmonary wedge pressure (r = 0.73, p = 0.0008), and cardiac index (r = -0.50, p = 0.04). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the peak IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001). The peak IL-1 receptor antagonist levels in nonsurvivors (n = 13) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those in survivors (n = 21). The plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels were closely correlated with the severity of hemodynamics in acute myocardial infarction and with the clinical status of patients with severe acute myocardial infarction. Results suggest that plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 can serve as prognostic indicators in cases of sever acute myocardial infarction.

Isolation of a mouse MT2-MMP gene from a lung cDNA library and identification of its product

We have isolated a new MT-MMP related gene of 3.3 kb from a mouse lung cDNA library using a human MT1-MMP cDNA as a probe. The deduced protein sequence shows 87% homology to human MT2-MMP and 52, 50 and 29% to MT1-MMP, MT3-MMP and MT4-MMP, respectively. Thus the gene is thought to be a mouse homologue of human MT2-MMP. A monoclonal antibody raised against a synthetic peptide recognized mouse MT2-MMP as a 70 kDa protein. Like MT1- and MT3-MMPs, mouse MT2-MMP caused activation of progelatinase A upon co-transfection into COS-1 cells.

Expression of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MT1-MMP) in tumor cells enhances pulmonary metastasis in an experimental metastasis assay

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MT1-MMP) is a member of the recently identified unique membrane-type subgroup in the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. MT1-MMP has proteolytic activity against components in the extracellular matrix and activates progelatinase A (72-kDa type IV procollagenase/proMMP-2) on the cell surface. Because MT1-MMP is frequently expressed in a variety of tumors, we examined its contribution to their metastatic potential. The mouse lung carcinoma cell line Madison 109 was transiently transfected with a MT1-MMP expression plasmid and inoculated into the tail vein of BALB/c mouse. Fate of the transfected cells was monitored by the neo(r) gene in the plasmid using the quantitative PCR method. The survival rate of the parental cells in lung was 0.7% of the inoculated cells. It was increased by 3-fold with the MT1-MMP transfected cells and the number of the lung nodules increased accordingly. Immunostaining of the consecutive tissue sections revealed that lung nodules expressing MT1-MMP were positive for gelatinase A as well, whereas MT1-MMP-negative cells were not stained for gelatinase A at all. Thus, MT1-MMP-expressing cells acquire specific ability to bind exogenous progelatinase A.

Activation of a recombinant membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) by furin and its interaction with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2

Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) initiates the activation of the zymogen progelatinase A/ 72-kDa type IV collagenase by cleavage of the Asn66-Leu peptide bond. We previously pointed out that MT1-MMP possesses a unique amino acid sequence Arg-Arg-Lys-Arg111 which is a potential recognition sequence for furin-like proteases (Nature, 370 (1994) 61-65). Here, using a recombinant MT1-MMP expressed in Escherichia coli we demonstrated that furin specifically cleaves MT1-MMP between Arg111-Tyr in vitro, which resulted in a stimulation of progelatinase A-activation function. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 inhibited activation of progelatinase A by forming a stable complex with activated MT1-MMP.

Processing of a precursor of 72-kilodalton type IV collagenase/gelatinase A by a recombinant membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase that is associated with the proteolytic activation of progelatinase A was expressed as a recombinant fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme cleaved the propeptide sequence of gelatinase A in a sequence-specific manner. A mutant progelatinase A that has a substitution of Asn(66)-Leu to Ile-Val was not processed at all. The processing was blocked by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 or BB-94 but not by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1. Thus, membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase is a direct activator of progelatinase A without requiring additional proteases.

Cell surface binding and activation of gelatinase A induced by expression of membrane-type-1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP)

Gelatinase A is secreted as a proenzyme (progelatinase A) which is activated and bound on the surface of tumor and normal cells. We have reported that the expression of a membrane-type-1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) induces activation of progelatinase A. Here we demonstrate that the expression of MT1-MMP in COS-1 cells induces cell-surface binding of progelatinase A which is consequently processed to an intermediate form. Processing from the intermediate to the fully active form is dependent on the gelatinase A concentration. These results suggest that the cell-surface binding concentrates the gelatinase A intermediate form locally to allow autoproteolytic processing to the fully active form.

MT-MMP, the cell surface activator of proMMP-2 (pro-gelatinase A), is expressed with its substrate in mouse tissue during embryogenesis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade the components of the extracellular matrix, are key enzymes involved in the tissue remodeling of multicellular organisms. Since MMPs are secreted as inactive zymogens (pro-MMPs), they have to be activated to function. We identified a membrane-type MMP (MT-MMP) that activated proMMP-2 (pro-gelatinase A = 72 kDa type IV pro-collagenase) and described its expression on the invasive tumor cell surface. In this study we further examined the expression and role of MT-MMP in the activation of proMMP-2 during mouse embryogenesis. Northern blotting demonstrated that MT-MMP expression was increased together with that of MMP-2 and its inhibitor gene, TIMP-2, in embryos depending upon the number of days after gestation, and decreased with maturation after birth. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry localized MT-MMP mRNA and protein in the cells of ossifying tissues where both MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were expressed. Activated MMP-2 was detected by gelatin zymography in the lysates prepared from the micro dissected tissues that expressed the three genes. The activation rate of proMMP-2 was proportional to the expression of MMP-2 and MT-MMP. These results indicated that proMMP-2 activation through its activator, MT-MMP, is a physiological system used by organisms to initiate tissue remodeling on the cell surface.

Changes in epidural pressure during walking in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

STUDY DESIGN

This study was done to assess the pathophysiology of neurogenic intermittent claudication by measuring the epidural pressure at walking.

OBJECTIVES

Changes in epidural pressure during walking in patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication and in normal individuals were analyzed.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Neurogenic intermittent claudication may be caused by compression of the nerve roots or may be a result of nerve root ischemia. The exact pathogenesis of neurogenic intermittent claudication is uncertain.

METHODS

Local epidural pressure changes at the stenotic level during walking were analyzed in 12 patients with lumber spinal stenosis and seven normal individuals. a flexible pressure transducer was inserted into the epidural space and placed at the L4-L5 level. The epidural pressure was monitored continuously during walking. The pattern of the pressure change was assessed by gait analysis using a foot switch.

RESULTS

The pressure was changed during walking. The pressure had a wave pattern of increase and decrease, and this pattern was repeated during walking. Intermittent pressure increase was seen about 90 times per minute while walking at a velocity of 2 km/h. An increase in epidural pressure occurred at the double-supporting phase in each gait cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

The pressure was high in spinal stenosis and low in normal individuals. The increase of epidural pressure at simple walking was higher than walking with lumbar flexion. Intermittent compression to the nerve roots during walking may be a cause of neurogenic intermittent claudication.

Transient cortical blindness following bypass graft angiography. A case report

Transient cortical blindness, an uncommonly recognized complication of cerebral angiography, is an exceedingly rare event after cardiac catheterization and angiography. This report describes a sixty-two-year-old patient who had transient cortical blindness following bypass graft angiography. In this case, the authors showed that cortical blindness was associated with the breakage of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and an increase in vascular permeability rather than with primary cerebral circulatory insufficiency. When the possibility exists that an excess volume of contrast medium may enter the cerebral circulation as in this case, that is, following a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) using the internal mammary artery (IMA), precautionary measures may be necessary such as changing the type of contrast medium to be used or decreasing the volume injected. When cortical blindness occurs, it is a serious clinical problem whether transient or permanent. Therefore, the circumstances leading to this complication should be understood to determine suitable treatment and management.

Identification of the second membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP-2) gene from a human placenta cDNA library. MT-MMPs form a unique membrane-type subclass in the MMP family

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP), which we have identified recently, is unique in its transmembrane (TM) domain at the C terminus and mediates activation of pro-gelatinase A on the cell surface (Sato, H., Takino, T., Okada, Y., Cao, J., Shinagawa, A., Yamamoto, E., and Seiki, M. (1994) Nature 370, 61-65; Takino, T., Sato, H., Yamamoto, E., and Seiki, M. (1995) Gene (Amst.) 115, 293-298). In addition to MT-MMP, a novel MMP-related cDNA of 2.1 kilobases was isolated from a human placenta cDNA library. The cDNA contains an open reading frame for a new MMP. The deduced protein composed of 604 amino acids was closely related to MT-MMP in the amino acid sequence (66% homology at the catalytic domains) and has a potential TM domain at the C terminus. Monoclonal antibodies raised against the synthetic peptide recognized a 64-kDa protein as the major product in the transfected cells. TIMP-1 fused with the potential TM domain was localized on the cell surface while native TIMP-1 is in the culture medium. Thus, we called the second membrane-type MMP, MT-MMP-2 and renamed MT-MMP, MT-MMP-1. MT-MMP-1 and -2 are thought to form a distinct membrane-type subclass in the MMP family since all the others are secreted as soluble forms. Like MT-MMP-1, expression of MT-MMP-2 induced processing of pro-gelatinase A (68-kDa in gelatin zymography) into the activated form of 62-kDa fragments through a 64-kDa intermediate form. Expression of MT-MMP-2 mRNA was at the highest levels in the brain where MT-MMP-1 was at the lowest level compared to other tissues. MT-MMP-1 and -2 are thought to be utilized for extracellular matrix turnover on the surface of cells under different genetic controls.