MMP2 and MMP9 in immature endothelial cells following surgical injury of rat cerebral cortex--a preliminary study.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases capable of extracellular matrix remodeling. They have been implicated in various physiological and pathological phenomena involving neurovascular unit elements (neurons, astrocytes and capillary vessels). Surgical injury of the fronto-temporal region of rat cerebral cortex induces massive neurodegeneration and cell death accompanied by astrogliosis.