Quantitation and localization of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in human carotid endarterectomy tissues.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) play a central role in arterial wall remodeling, affecting stability of fibrous caps covering atherosclerotic plaques. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of TIMP mass and MMP mass and activity of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) tissues and relate it to the distribution of atherosclerotic lesions.

Methods And Results: Fresh CEA tissues were imaged by multicontrast MRI to generate 3D reconstructions.