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Published on: September 26, 2013
Type IV collagenases in human amniotic fluids and amnion epithelial cells
1Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|May 18, 1994
Summary
Human amniotic fluid contains a specific M(r) 66,000 gelatinase, also found in serum. Amnion cells produce this enzyme, suggesting local production within the amniotic fluid for potential physiological roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Gelatinases are matrix metalloproteinases involved in tissue remodeling.
- Human amniotic fluid contains various enzymes, including proteases.
- The role of specific gelatinases in pregnancy and fetal development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize gelatinases present in human second-trimester amniotic fluid.
- To investigate the cellular origin and regulation of these gelatinases.
- To compare the concentration of identified gelatinases in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.
Main Methods:
- Gelatin zymography to detect proteolytic activity.
- Immunoblotting with antiserum against human fibroblast gelatinase/type IV collagenase.
- Cell culture of human amnion epithelial cells.
- Immunoprecipitation to confirm protein identity.
- Quantitative zymography to assess enzyme concentrations.
Main Results:
- A constant M(r) 66,000 gelatinase was detected in amniotic fluid, recognized by antiserum to human fibroblast gelatinase.
- Human amnion epithelial cells produced both M(r) 66,000 and M(r) 92,000 gelatinases.
- Transforming growth factor-beta enhanced M(r) 66,000 production, while tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate enhanced M(r) 92,000 production.
- The M(r) 66,000 proteinase in amniotic fluid was identical to that produced by amnion cells and corresponded to human fibroblast gelatinase.
- The M(r) 92,000 gelatinase corresponded to human macrophage/granulocyte gelatinase.
- Concentrations were 5-10 µg/ml (0.1-0.2% of total protein) in amniotic fluid and 30-40 µg/ml (0.03-0.06%) in serum, indicating a 3-4 fold higher relative concentration in amniotic fluid.
Conclusions:
- Human amnion epithelial cells are a likely source of the M(r) 66,000 gelatinase found in amniotic fluid.
- The higher relative concentration in amniotic fluid suggests local production.
- Amnion cells may also produce M(r) 92,000 gelatinase under specific physiological stimuli.
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