Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in T lymphocytes of mammary tumor bearers: role of vascular endothelial growth factor.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a matrix-degrading enzyme, is crucial in tumor invasion and metastasis and is implicated in leukocyte extravasation. In this report, we demonstrate that during growth of the D1-7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene-3 mammary tumor in BALB/c mice, there is progressive up-regulation of MMP-9 in splenic T cells at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Our previous work has identified several factors produced by this tumor, including PGE(2), GM-CSF, and phosphatidyl serine; however, none of these agents induces increased production of MMP-9 by normal splenic T cells.

Treatment of striae rubra and striae alba with the 585-nm pulsed-dye laser.

Background: The treatment of striae distensae has recently been reported with various lasers such as the 585-nm pulsed dye laser. At lower fluences (2.0 to 4.