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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Murine Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair Surgery
Published on: September 19, 2016
Low-Dose and Short-Duration Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Inhibition Does Not Affect Adhesion Formation during Murine
Caitlin A Orner1, Michael B Geary, Warren C Hammert
1Rochester, N.Y.; and St. Louis, Mo. From the Center for Musculoskeletal Research and Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center; the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine.
Background:
After flexor tendon injury and repair, adhesion formation is a substantial concern, as it can result in loss of motion and functional disability. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9) is a gelatinase that contributes to degradation of extracellular matrix and is expressed during flexor tendon healing. Mmp9(-/-) mice have accelerated remodeling of adhesions during flexor tendon healing, relative to wild-type mice. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Ro 32-3555, an Mmp9 inhibitor, can improve flexor tendon healing by limiting adhesion formation or enhancing remodeling of scar tissue during murine flexor tendon healing.
Methods:
Flexor digitorum longus laceration and repair was performed in female C57BL/6J mice. Mice were treated with vehicle or the Mmp9 inhibitor Ro 32-3555 for 8 days. Analysis was performed for digit range of motion and gliding function, biomechanics, gene expression, and Mmp9 activity.
Results:
An Mmp9 activity assay and zymography confirmed suppression of Mmp9 activity in mice treated with Ro 32-3555. There was no significant difference in tendon gliding or range of motion between vehicle and Ro 32-3555-treated mice. There was also no difference in tendon biomechanical properties between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Local inhibition of Mmp9 gelatinolytic activity at the flexor tendon repair site is insufficient to alter adhesion formation, remodeling of adhesions, or mechanical properties of healing murine flexor tendons.
