Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in human traumatic spinal cord injury

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of extracellular zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases that degrade the extracellular matrix and other extracellular proteins. In experimental spinal cord injury (SCI), recent studies have demonstrated an involvement of various MMPs in the early posttraumatic events. In particular the knock-out of MMP-9 and -12 demonstrated an improved recovery of lesioned animals, most likely due to a decreased permeability of the blood brain barrier and a reduced density of microglia/macrophages at the lesion. In the present investigation, the expression pattern of several MMP…