Urokinase plasminogen activator, uPAR, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in the C6-glioblastoma rat model.

Background: In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the serine protease urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), and matrix metalloproteases (MMP-2/MMP-9) contribute to its invasive growth pattern, which is the major obstacle to successful surgical treatment.

Materials And Methods: The expression of uPA was determined in monolayers and spheroids of the rodent GBM cell line C6 by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The longitudinal expression of proteases was studied in orthotopically implanted spheroids by semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) in Sprague Dawley rats (n=40).