1994 Volume 35 Issue 5 Pages 356-362
Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-II was examined in experimental liver fibrosis and its recovery stage by Northern blot analysis and slot-blot analysis. The expression of MMP-II was elevated at early and middle stages of liver fibrosis, but decreased at later stage. The result indicated that supression of degradation occurs during the process of liver cirrhosis. On the other hand, the expression of MMP-II was remarkably elevated at early stage of recovery stage of liver fibrosis. That indicated stimulation of degradation activity is critical factor during the recovery stage of liver fibrosis.
Immunolocalization of type IV collagen and MMP-II was examined at the same time in human liver disease. Immunolocalization of MMP-II was observed in perisinusoidal cells. However, staining was decreased in liver cirrhosis, especially alcoholic liver cirrhosis. By electron microscopy, immunolocalization of MMP-II was found in vacuoles of endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, and in rough endoplasmic reticulum of Ito cells. However, its immunostaining was faint in these cells of liver cirrhosis. These results suggested perisinusoidal cells produce MMP-II in the liver, and MMP-II is important factor during the process of liver fibrosis.
