PMID: 11317524Apr 25, 2001Paper

Invasion and metastasis: the expression and significance of matrix metalloproteinases in carcinomas of the lung

In Vivo
B BodeyH E Kaiser

Abstract

Structural changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) are necessary for cell migration during tissue remodeling and tumor invasion. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors have been shown to be critical modulators of ECM composition and are thus, crucial in neoplastic cell invasion and metastasis. Expression of MMP-2, -3, -9, -10, and -13 was investigated in human lung adenocarcinomas employing an indirect alkaline phosphatase conjugated immunocytochemical technique. Evaluation of the results was based on (a) the percent of neoplastically transformed cells/surrounding stroma that reacted positively and (b) a measure of staining intensity [graded from A (highest) to D]. The two forms of stromelysin, MMP-3 and -10, share 82% sequence homology, but exhibit differences in cellular synthesis and inducibility by cytokines and growth factors in vitro. Strong overall expression of MMP-3 and -10 was found in lung adenocarcinomas, especially in the ECM adjacent to blood vessels. Positive immunoreactivity could be seen for these two MMPs in the ECM surrounding over 90% of the neoplastically transformed cells (++++), and the staining intensity was also the strongest possible (A,B). Focal (+), high intensity (A,B) staining ...Continue Reading

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