Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) Is an Endogenous Activator of the MMP-9 Secreted by Placental Leukocytes: Implication in Human Labor
Fig 6
MMP-9 activation is inhibited by MMP-3.
Cultures of placental leukocytes were incubated in the presence or absence of a neutralizing anti MMP-3 or a specific MMP-3 inhibitor. Culture media analyzed by gelatin zymography shows that the 82 kDa active form of MMP-9 disappears in the presence of the anti MMP-3 antibody at 24, 48 and 72 h (panel A representative gel, n = 3). MMP-9 activation is abolished by the specific MMP-3 inhibitor; each point represents the mean ± SD (**P<0.005) (panel B, n = 3).