Matrix metalloproteinases in acute inflammation: induction of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in fibroblasts and epithelial cells following exposure to pro-inflammatory mediators in vitro

Recent studies have demonstrated important pro-inflammatory roles for two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-MMP-3 (stromelysin-1) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B)-in acute lung injury [Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 24 (2001) 1]. A role for MMP-3 in skin inflammation has also been demonstrated [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 96 (1999) 6885]. While leukocytes (neutrophils and macrophages) are known to elaborate these tissue-destructive enzymes, parenchymal cells are also capable of synthesizing MMPs. In the present study, we examined the production of MMP-3 and MMP-9 by rodent lung fibroblasts, type II epithelial cells, and vascular endothelial cells. Dermal fibroblasts were also examined. Cells were examined under control conditions and in response to agonists that induce acute inflammatory tissue injury (IgG-containing immune complexes and lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). In the absence of stimulation, MMP-3 and MMP-9 were not detected or were present at low level. However, upon stimulation with either of the two pro-inflammatory agonists, production of both enzymes occurred in fibroblasts and epithelial cells (though not in endothelial cells). The observation that resident cells in the tissue parenchyma can elaborate MMPs in direct response to pro-inflammatory stimuli provides insight into possible mechanisms by which tissue damage occurs in acute inflammation.