Inhibition of gelatinase B (matrix metalloprotease-9) activity reduces cellular inflammation and restores function of transplanted pancreatic islets.

ABSTRACT: Islet transplantation provides an approach to compensate for loss of insulin-producing cells in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, the intraportal route of transplantation is associated with instant inflammatory reactions to the graft and subsequent islet destruction as well. Although matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and -9 are involved in both remodeling of extracellular matrix and leukocyte migration, their influence on the outcome of islet transplantation has not been characterized. We observed comparable MMP-2 mRNA expressions in control and transplanted groups of mice, whereas MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression levels increased after islet transplantation. Immunostaining for CD11b (Mac-1)-expressing leukocytes (macrophage, neutrophils) and Ly6G (neutrophils) revealed substantially r

SUBMITTER: Lingwal N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3402316 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature