Expression of metalloproteinases from human retinal pigment epithelial cells and their effects on the hydraulic conductivity of Bruch's membrane.

Purpose: To evaluate the expression pattern of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) from retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture, and to determine their ability to alter the transport properties of human Bruch's membrane.

Methods: Human RPE cells from either primary cultures or a cell line were maintained under culture conditions. At different time intervals after subculturing of cells the presence of MMPs in the bathing medium was determined by zymography.