MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 synergize in promoting choroidal neovascularization

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Abstract
SPECIFIC AIMSPrevious studies have shown that the production of gelatinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) belonging to the matrix metalloproteinase family is increased in human choroidal neovascularization (CNV) occurring during the exudative most aggressive form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To more precisely delineate the respective roles of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in choroidal neo-angiogenesis, we investigated their expression and activities in the course of laser-induced murine choroidal neovascularization,. This model was applied to single (MMP-9 KO, MMP-2 KO) or double (MMP-2,9 KO) -deficient mice and to their corresponding wild-type (WT) controls.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are produced in lesions associated with choroidal neovascularizationGelatin zymography analysis of ocular posterior segments demonstrated that both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increasingly produced during the early stages of CNV formation, with the appearance of active forms of MMP-2. In situ zymography revealed a predominant gelatina...