RESUMO
Objective To investigate the changes in the serum MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) and the expressions of MMP-9 in lung, kidney and intestine in rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and confirm extracellular matrix injuries being the mechanism in MODS in order to propose a novel theoretical basis for cfinical treatment of MODS. Method Forty wister rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=8) and MODS model group (n=32). The rats of model group were further divided into four subgroups ac-cordingto the time elapsed after modelling: 12 h (n=8), 24 h(n=8) ,48 h(n=8) and 72 h (n=8), and were modelled by celiac injection of mixed liquid of zymosan-paraffin (4 mL/100 g) after blood loss (1mL/100 g) by extirpating their left eyes. Blood,lung, kidney and intestine were sampled 12,24,48 and 72 hours after models were established. The histological changes in the lung, kidney and intestine of the rats were observed by light mi-croscope. The serum MMP-9 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immunohisto-chemistry was used to observe the expression of MMP-9 in lung,kidney and intestine during different phases of MODS. The data were processed by one-way ANOVA and Bivariate analysis. Results Compared with control group, the organs were injured by congestion, edema and inflammatory cells infiltration to a certain extent in model groups. The serum MMP-9 increased markedly 12 hours after modelling (P<0.01 ) and peaked 48 hours later. The expressions of MMP-9 in lung, kidney and small intestine significantly increased from 12 h to 72 h after mod-elling (P<0.01 or 0.05). Conclusions The MMP-9 increased both in serum and tissue are closely associated with the pathological process of MODS. The mechanism of organ damage probably attributes to the damage of extra-celluar matrix and tissue construction.