Dynamic expression of mRNAs and proteins for matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the primate corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle

• Published in: Molecular human reproduction Vol. 8; no. 9; pp. 833 - 840
• Main Authors: Young, K.A., Hennebold, J.D., Stouffer, R.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.09.2002; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; corpus luteum; Corpus Luteum - physiology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene Expression; Macaca mulatta; Macaca mulatta - physiology; Mammalian female genital system; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 - genetics; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 - metabolism; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 - genetics; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 - metabolism; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 - genetics; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 - metabolism; Matrix Metalloproteinases - genetics; Matrix Metalloproteinases - metabolism; Menstrual Cycle - physiology; MMP; Morphology. Physiology; ovary; Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; primate; Progesterone; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; TIMP; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 - genetics; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 - metabolism; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 - genetics; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 - metabolism; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases - genetics; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases - metabolism; Vertebrates: reproduction; Menstrual cycle; Enzyme; Monkey; Enzyme inhibitor; Metalloendopeptidases; Luteinization; Gene expression; Gelatinase A; Ovary; Peptidases; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Female genital system; Primates; Corpus luteum; Hydrolases; Female; Interstitial collagenase
• ISSN: 1360-9947; 1460-2407; 1460-2407
• DOI: 10.1093/molehr/8.9.833

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) may be involved in tissue remodelling in the primate corpus luteum (CL). MMP/TIMP mRNA and protein patterns were examined using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in the early, mid-, mid-late, late and very late CL of rhesus monkeys. MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) mRNA expression peaked (by >7-fold) in the early CL. MMP-9 (gelatinase B) mRNA expression was low in the early CL, but increased 41-fold by the very late stage. MMP-2 (gelatinase A) mRNA expression tended to increase in late CL. TIMP-1 mRNA was highly expressed in the CL, until declining 21-fold by the very late stage. TIMP-2 mRNA expression was high through the mid-luteal phase. MMP-1 protein was detected by immunocytochemistry in early steroidogenic cells. MMP-2 protein was prominent in late, but not early CL microvasculature. MMP-9 protein was noted in early CL and labelling increased in later stage steroidogenic cells. TIMP-1 and -2 proteins were detected in steroidogenic cells at all stages. Thus, MMPs and TIMPs are dynamically expressed in a cell-specific manner in the primate CL. Early expression of MMP-1 is suggestive of a role in tissue remodelling associated with luteinization, whereas MMP-2 and -9 may contribute to later stage luteolysis. TIMP expression may control MMP activity, until declining at luteolysis.