Trafficking of the membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase in ischemia and reperfusion: relation to interstitial membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase activity.

Background: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to regional remodeling after prolonged periods of ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), but specific MMP types activated during this process remain poorly understood. A novel class, the membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMPs), has been identified in the myocardium, but activity of these MMP types has not been assessed in vivo, particularly during I/R.

Methods And Results: Pigs (30 kg, n=8) were instrumented with microdialysis catheters to measure MT1-MMP activity in both ischemic and nonischemic (remote) myocardium.