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Increase in matrix metalloproteinase-2 level in the chicken retina after laser photocoagulation
Masayuki Takeyama1, Masahiko Yoneda, Makoto Takeuchi
1Department of Ophthalmology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, 480-1195 Aichi, Japan.
Background And Objective:
We investigated the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which has been implicated in various vitreoretinal diseases, in the retina after laser photocoagulation (LPC).
Materials And Methods:
The time course of MMP-2 expression in 2-day-old chicken retinas before and 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, 8 days, 16 days, and 32 days after LPC was determined by real-time PCR and gelatin zymography. The basal level of MMP-2 in the retina and vitreous was also measured by gelatin zymography. MMP-2 localization in the retina was examined by immunohistochemistry. The localization of MMP-2 mRNA was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The internal limiting membrane (ILM) was observed by scanning electron microscopy.
Results:
MMP-2 mRNA expression in the retina peaked at day 4, but gelatin zymography showed that MMP-2 peaked 6 hours after LPC and the significant increase in the level of active MMP-2 lasted for more than 4 days. The concentration of MMP-2 in the vitreous was significantly higher than that in the retina. A distinct MMP-2 signal around the ILM was identified 6 hours after LPC, but MMP-2 mRNA was not detected there. Electron microscopy showed a damaged retinal surface after LPC.
Conclusion And Outlook:
The significant increase in retinal MMP-2 which lasted for more than 4 days after LPC may be induced by influx from the vitreous into the retina. This MMP-2 dynamics may contribute to pathological processes in the retina after LPC.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) levels significantly increase in the retina after laser photocoagulation (LPC), potentially originating from the vitreous. This MMP-2 elevation may play a role in retinal pathology following LPC.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is implicated in various vitreoretinal diseases.
- Laser photocoagulation (LPC) is a common ophthalmic procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels and localization of MMP-2 in the retina following LPC.
- To understand the temporal dynamics of MMP-2 expression after LPC.
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR and gelatin zymography were used to determine MMP-2 expression over time.
- Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization were employed for MMP-2 and mRNA localization.
- Scanning electron microscopy examined the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and retinal surface.
Main Results:
- MMP-2 peaked 6 hours after LPC, with active MMP-2 elevated for over 4 days.
- Vitreous MMP-2 concentration was higher than in the retina.
- MMP-2 was detected around the ILM post-LPC, coinciding with retinal surface damage.
Conclusions:
- Increased retinal MMP-2 after LPC may result from vitreous influx.
- The sustained elevation of MMP-2 could contribute to retinal pathological processes post-LPC.
