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Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent enzymes, capable of degrading proteins found in the extracellular matrix. MMPs 2 and 9 are known to be produced by microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system. The control of the secretion of these proteases and the activation of proenzymes by other proteases such as plasmin, as well as the balance between MMP secretion and the secretion of their natural inhibitors (TIMPs), have an important relevance in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The in vitro control of MMPs 2 and 9, TIMPs 1 and 2, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator by microglia was examined in response to a panel of chemokines (chemotactic cytokines), using ELISA and zymography techniques. The chemokines MCP1, MIP1β, RANTES, IL-8, and Fractalkine were all found significantly to increase the secretion of MMPs and TIMPs by a human foetal microglial cell line, CHME3, after 24 h stimulation. The chemokines tested, MCP1, MIP1β, and Fractalkine, were also shown to increase MMP9 secretion by primary isolated rat brain microglia in vitro. MCP1, MIP1α/β, and RANTES significantly decreased the secretion of uPA into culture supernatants in ELISA experiments. These findings suggest an important potential role for the involvement of chemokines in the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier and also the destruction of myelin basic protein in MS. GLIA 28:183–189, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cross et al. (Wed,) studied this question.