Pro-inflammatory cytokines induce expression of matrix-metabolizing enzymes in human cervical smooth muscle cells.

ABSTRACT: The process of cervical ripening has been likened to an inflammatory reaction associated with the catabolism of cervical extracellular matrix by enzymes released from infiltrating leukocytes. We hypothesized that smooth muscle cells in the cervix also participate in this process and that pro-inflammatory cytokines act on cervical smooth muscle cells (CSMC) to provoke the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes. We treated primary cultures of human CSMC with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and examined expression of the elastinolytic enzyme, cathepsin S, the collagen metabolizing matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, -3, -9, and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and -2. A time course analysis revealed that 10 ng/ml of TNF-alpha induced cathepsin S, MMP-1, -3, and -9 mRN

SUBMITTER: Watari M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1866620 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature