Expression of MMP-9 in brain tissue of mouse cryptococcal meningitis model / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the expression of MMP-9 in mouse brain tissue and its significance. Methods: Cryptococcosis ssuspension alone (fungal suspension group) or combined with aprotinin (aprotinin group) was injected in to female C57 BL/6 mice via femoral vein cannulation. The expression of MMP-9 was examined immunohistochemically 8 h later. Meanwhile, the mouse brain tissue homogenate colony count (CFU) was observed and the results were compared with that of the immunohistochemical examination. Results: The expression of MMP-9 was markedly increased in the fungal suspension group compared with the normal control group (P0.05). The amount of cryptococcosis in the brain tissue was positively correlated with expression of MMP-9. Conclusion: MMP-9 is overexpressed in the brain of mice with Cryptococcal meningitis; MMP-9 might lead to increased permeability of blood brain barrier.