Expression and localization of MMP-3 and TIMP-2 in the temporomandibular joint of osteoarthritic mice

Abstract

I used histological and immunohistochemical methods, and enzymography to investigate the expression and localization of MMP-3 and TIMP-2 in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of male ICR mice, which are typical osteoarthritis models.Toluidineblue stains showed glycosaminoglycans forming proteoglycans were decreased in the surface cartilage toward the end of the experiment.Immunohistochemistry revealed MMP-3 was positive in the surface cartilage of the TMJ.The distribution of TIMP-2 was similar to that of MMP-3.ProMMP-3, the active form of MMP-3, and TIMP-2-MMP-3 complex were detected in the cartilage and / or the mixture of the disc and synovium with immunoblotting and enzymography.These results suggest that the balance between MMP-3 and TIMP-2 are disrupted in the surface of the osteoarthritic cartilage and the imbalance triggers progressive osteoarthritis.