In vitro inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activity in tracheal epithelial lining fluid from horses with recurrent airway obstruction.

Objective: To evaluate inhibitory effects of synthetic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors in vitro on gelatinolytic and collagenolytic activities in tracheal epithelial lining fluid (TELF) of horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).

Animals: 10 horses with RAO and 5 healthy control horses.

Procedures: Substrate-based functional assays, collagen I and gelatin degradation, were used to measure endogenous collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activities in TELF.