Matrix metalloproteinase-12 is expressed in phagocytotic macrophages in active multiple sclerosis lesions

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology 2003-05, Vol.138 (1), p.106-114
• Main Authors: Vos, Catharina M.P., van Haastert, Elise S., de Groot, Corline J.A., van der Valk, Paul, de Vries, Helga E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; alveolar macrophage elastase; Brain - enzymology; Brain - pathology; Central nervous system; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Macrophages - enzymology; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 12; Matrix metalloproteinases; Metalloendopeptidases - biosynthesis; Middle Aged; MMP-12 (macrophage metalloelastase); Multiple sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis - enzymology; Multiple Sclerosis - pathology; Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive - enzymology; Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive - pathology; Palatine Tonsil - cytology; Palatine Tonsil - enzymology; Phagocytosis; Placenta - cytology; Placenta - enzymology; Retrospective Studies; Spleen - cytology; Spleen - enzymology
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-5728(03)00036-5

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteases involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, leukocyte infiltration into lesions and myelin degradation in the central nervous system (CNS) disease multiple sclerosis (MS). We have investigated whether MMP-12 (macrophage metalloelastase) is expressed in MS lesions at various stages. In control patient tissue and (p)reactive MS lesions, only occasional microglial and astrocyte staining was detected. In contrast, in active demyelinating lesions, phagocytic macrophages were MMP-12 positive. A lower proportion of phagocytes was positive for MMP-12 in chronic active demyelinating lesions and inactive lesions. This suggests a role for MMP-12 during demyelination in MS.