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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbits
Ichirou Shima1, Shogo Katsuda, Yoshimichi Ueda
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku-gun, Japan.
Purpose:
To investigate the protein and mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), gelatinolytic activity and localization of MMP activity in wounds after glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbits.
Methods:
Sixty eyes of 30 rabbits were removed 1, 3, 7, 14 and 120 days after the surgery and used for this experiment. Protein and mRNA expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and laser capture microdissection/real-time RT-PCR, respectively. The gelatinolytic activity was analyzed by gelatin zymography and the localization was studied using in situ zymography.
Results:
By immunohistochemistry, expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP was detected in the wounds, most markedly 3 days after the surgery. MMP-positive cells were predominantly macrophages. Expression of MMP-9 and MT1-MMP mRNAs was verified by RT-PCR. Gelatinolytic activities corresponding to proMMP-2 and the active form of MMP-2 were detected in the wounds 3 and 7 days after surgery. In situ zymography localized gelatinolytic activities at the wound site. These activities were almost completely abolished by an MMP inhibitor, indicating that the gelatinolytic activity belongs to metalloproteinases.
Conclusions:
MMPs, particularly MMP-2/MT1-MMP, play important roles in the degradation of the extracellular matrix in the wound healing process after glaucoma filtration surgery and may represent an important target for therapeutic intervention after glaucoma filtration surgery.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-2/MT1-MMP, are crucial for extracellular matrix remodeling during wound healing after glaucoma surgery. Targeting these MMPs could offer new therapeutic strategies for improving surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Wound Healing
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Glaucoma filtration surgery aims to reduce intraocular pressure but can be complicated by wound healing processes.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in extracellular matrix degradation and tissue remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression, activity, and localization of MMPs in rabbit wound models following glaucoma filtration surgery.
- To understand the role of MMPs in the wound healing cascade after this surgical procedure.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR were used to analyze protein and mRNA expression of various MMPs (MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, MT1-MMP).
- Gelatin zymography and in situ zymography assessed gelatinolytic activity and its localization.
- Experiments were conducted on rabbit eyes at multiple time points post-surgery (1, 3, 7, 14, and 120 days).
Main Results:
- MMP protein and mRNA expression, particularly MMP-2 and MT1-MMP, were elevated in wounds, peaking around 3 days post-surgery.
- Macrophages were identified as the primary source of MMP-positive cells.
- Gelatinolytic activity, attributed to MMP-2, was detected and localized to the wound site, confirming its role in matrix degradation.
Conclusions:
- MMPs, specifically the MMP-2/MT1-MMP axis, are significantly involved in extracellular matrix remodeling during wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery.
- These MMPs represent potential therapeutic targets for modulating wound healing and improving the success of glaucoma filtration surgery.
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