Bone marrow-derived matrix metalloproteinase-9 is associated with fibrous adhesion formation after murine flexor tendon injury.

ABSTRACT: The pathogenesis of adhesions following primary tendon repair is poorly understood, but is thought to involve dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps). We have previously demonstrated that Mmp9 gene expression is increased during the inflammatory phase following murine flexor digitorum (FDL) tendon repair in association with increased adhesions. To further investigate the role of Mmp9, the cellular, molecular, and biomechanical features of healing were examined in WT and Mmp9(-/-) mice using the FDL tendon repair model. Adhesions persisted in WT, but were reduced in Mmp9(-/-) mice by 21 days without any decrease in strength. Deletion of Mmp9 resulted in accelerated expression of neo-tendon associated genes, Gdf5 and Smad8, and delayed expression of collagen I and collagen III. Fur

SUBMITTER: Loiselle AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3394706 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature