Nitric oxide regulates matrix metalloprotease-13 expression and activity in endothelium.

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are synthesized in response to diverse stimuli including cytokines, growth factors, hormones, and oxidative stress.

METHODS

Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were stimulated with nitric oxide (NO) and MMP-13 expression and activity was assayed.

RESULTS

NO transcriptionally regulated matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression in BAEC, while the cGMP analog 8Br-cGMP mimicked the effect of NO. In addition NO also stimulated the proteolytic processing of MMP-13 from the pro-enzyme to the final active form in a dose dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

NO transcriptionally regulates MMP expression and activity in the vascular endothelium. This effect of NO may be of pathophysiological importance in the context of angiogenesis, inflammation or atherogenesis.