Divergent regulation of 92-kDa gelatinase and TIMP-1 by HBECs in response to IL-1β and TNF-α

1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (4) ◽  
pp. L866-L874 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Yao ◽  
B. Maitre ◽  
C. Delacourt ◽  
J. M. Buhler ◽  
A. Harf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Level ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Gelatin Zymography ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase ◽  
Type I ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Gelatinase Activity ◽  
Twofold Increase ◽  
Tnf Α

In this study, we addressed the question of whether human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) contribute to the regulation of 92-kDa gelatinase activity by secreting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. We investigated expression of 92-kDa gelatinase and TIMP-1 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Confluent HBECs from explants were cultured in plastic dishes coated with type I and III collagen. We demonstrated that TIMP-1 was expressed at both the protein and mRNA levels by primary cultures of HBECs. Gelatin zymography of HBEC-conditioned media showed that exposure of HBECs to LPS, IL-1β, or TNF-α induced a twofold increase in the latent form of 92-kDa gelatinase production, as well as its activation. Also, quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated a twofold increase in the 92-kDa mRNA level in response to both cytokines. In contrast, TIMP-1 production evaluated by immunoblotting was unchanged in the presence of LPS and IL-1β and was clearly decreased in the presence of TNF-α. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that TIMP-1 mRNA levels remained unchanged in response to LPS or IL-1β but decreased by 70% in the presence of TNF-α. All of these results strongly suggest that the control mechanisms regulating the expression of 92-kDa gelatinase and TIMP-1 by HBECs in response to inflammatory stimuli are divergent and result in an imbalance between 92-kDa gelatinase and TIMP-1 in favor of the metalloproteinase. Such an imbalance may contribute significantly to acute airway inflammation.

Cigarette smoke upregulates pulmonary vascular matrix metalloproteinases via TNF-α signaling

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (1) ◽  
pp. L125-L133 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Wright ◽  
H. Tai ◽  
R. Wang ◽  
X. Wang ◽  
A. Churg
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽  
Cigarette Smoke ◽  
Vascular Remodeling ◽  
Smoke Exposure ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase ◽  
Cigarette Smoke Exposure ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Gelatinase Activity ◽  
Tnf Α

Cigarette smoke exposure causes vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension by poorly understood mechanisms. To ascertain whether cigarette smoke exposure affects production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pulmonary vessels, we exposed C57Bl/6 (C57) mice or mice lacking TNF-α receptors (TNFRKO) to smoke daily for 2 wk or 6 mo. Using laser capture microdissection and RT-PCR analysis, we examined gene expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, MMP-13, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) and examined protein production by immunohistochemistry for MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12 in small intrapulmonary arteries. At 2 wk, mRNA levels of TIMP-1 and all MMPs were increased in the C57, but not TNFRKO, mice, and immunoreactive protein for MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12 was also increased in the C57 mice. Increased gelatinase activity was identified by in situ and bulk tissue zymography. At 6 mo, only MMP-12 mRNA levels remained increased in the C57 mice, but at a much lower level; however, MMP-2 mRNA levels increased in the TNFRKO mice. We conclude that smoke exposure increases MMP production in the small intrapulmonary arteries but that, with the exception of MMP-12, increased MMP production is transient. MMPs probably play a role in smoke-induced vascular remodeling, as they do in other forms of pulmonary hypertension, implying that MMP inhibitors might be beneficial. MMP production is largely TNF-α dependent, further supporting the importance of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced lung disease.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-513b-5p targets COL1A1 and COL1A2 associated with the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysm

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Zheng ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Yinzhou Wang ◽  
Yongkun Li ◽  
Qiong Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysm ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Reporter Assay ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Tnf Α

AbstractCollagen-type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) and COL1A2 are abnormally expressed in intracranial aneurysm (IA), but their mechanism of action remains unclear. This study was performed to investigate the mechanism of COL1A1 and COL1A2 affecting the occurrence and rupture of IA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of hsa-miR-513b-5p, COL1A1, COL1A2, TNF-α, IL-6, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP4 in patients with ruptured IA (RA) (n = 100), patients with un-ruptured IA (UA) (n = 100), and controls (n = 100). Then, human vascular smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were cultured, and dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to analyse the targeting relationship between miR-513b-5p and COL1A1 or COL1A2. The effects of the miR-513b-5p mimic and inhibitor on the proliferation, apoptosis, and death of HASMC and the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and matrix metalloproteinase pathways were also explored. The effect of silencing and over-expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2 on the role of miR-513b-5p were also evaluated. Finally, the effects of TNF-α on miR-513b-5p targeting COL1A1 and COL1A2 were tested. Compared with those in the control group, the serum mRNA levels of miR-513b-5p, IL-6 and TIMP4 were significantly decreased in the RA and UA groups, but COL1A1, COL1A2, TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the UA group, the expression of COL1A1, COL1A2, TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP9 was significantly up-regulated in the RA group (p < 0.05). Results from the luciferase reporter assay showed that COL1A1 and COL1A were the direct targets of miR-513b-5p. Further studies demonstrated that miR-513b-5p targeted COL1A1/2 to regulate the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and MMP pathways, thereby enhancing cell death and apoptosis. Over-expression of COL1A1 or COL1A2, rather than silencing COL1A1/2, could improve the inhibitory effect of miR-513b-5p on cell activity by regulating the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and MMP pathways. Furthermore, over-expression of miR-513b-5p and/or silencing COL1A1/2 inhibited the TNF-α-induced cell proliferation and enhanced the TNF-α-induced cell death and apoptosis. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of collagen I and TIMP4 expression and promotion of the expression of RIP1, p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKL, MMP2 and MMP9. MiR-513b-5p targeted the inhibition of COL1A1/2 expression and affected HASMC viability and extracellular mechanism remodelling by regulating the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and MMP pathways. This process might be involved in the formation and rupture of IA.

scholarly journals Modulation of ACE-2 mRNA by inflammatory cytokines in human thyroid cells: a pilot study

Endocrine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Coperchini ◽  
Gianluca Ricci ◽  
Laura Croce ◽  
Marco Denegri ◽  
Rubina Ruggiero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Combination Treatment ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Human Thyroid ◽  
Thyroid Cell ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Thyroid Cells ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Introduction Angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2) was demonstrated to be the receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. ACE-2 mRNA was identified in several human tissues and recently also in thyroid cells in vitro. Purpose Aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the ACE-2 mRNA levels in human thyroid cells in primary cultures. Methods Primary thyroid cell cultures were treated with IFN-γ and TNF-α alone or in combination for 24 h. ACE-2 mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. As a control, the levels of IFN-γ inducible chemokine (CXCL10) were measured in the respective cell culture supernatants. Results The mean levels of ACE-2 mRNA increased after treatment with IFN-γ and TNF-α in all the thyroid cell preparations, while the combination treatment did not consistently synergically increase ACE-2-mRNA. At difference, CXCL10 was consistently increased by IFN-γ and synergically further increased by the combination treatment with IFN-γ + TNF-α, with respect to IFN-γ alone. Conclusions The results of the present study show that IFN-γ and, to a lesser extent TNF-α consistently increase ACE-2 mRNA levels in NHT primary cultures. More interestingly, the combined stimulation (proven to be effective according to the synergic effect registered for CXCL10) produces different responses in terms of ACE-2 mRNA modulation. These results would suggest that elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines could facilitate the entering of the virus in cells by further increasing ACE-2 expression and/or account for the different degree of severity of SARS-COV-2 infection. This hypothesis deserves to be confirmed by further specific studies.

scholarly journals Manifestation of lipopolysaccharide-induced tolerance in neuro-glial primary cultures of the rat afferent somatosensory system

2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-444
Author(s):  
Franz Nürnberger ◽  
Stephan Leisengang ◽  
Daniela Ott ◽  
Jolanta Murgott ◽  
Rüdiger Gerstberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Substantia Gelatinosa ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Objective Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may contribute to the manifestation of inflammatory pain within structures of the afferent somatosensory system. LPS can induce a state of refractoriness to its own effects termed LPS tolerance. We employed primary neuro-glial cultures from rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) of the spinal cord, mainly including the substantia gelatinosa to establish and characterize a model of LPS tolerance within these structures. Methods Tolerance was induced by pre-treatment of both cultures with 1 µg/ml LPS for 18 h, followed by a short-term stimulation with a higher LPS dose (10 µg/ml for 2 h). Cultures treated with solvent were used as controls. Cells from DRG or SDH were investigated by means of RT-PCR (expression of inflammatory genes) and immunocytochemistry (translocation of inflammatory transcription factors into nuclei of cells from both cultures). Supernatants from both cultures were assayed for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by highly sensitive bioassays. Results At the mRNA-level, pre-treatment with 1 µg/ml LPS caused reduced expression of TNF-α and enhanced IL-10/TNF-α expression ratios in both cultures upon subsequent stimulation with 10 µg/ml LPS, i.e. LPS tolerance. SDH cultures further showed reduced release of TNF-α into the supernatants and attenuated TNF-α immunoreactivity in microglial cells. In the state of LPS tolerance macrophages from DRG and microglial cells from SDH showed reduced LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the inflammatory transcription factors NFκB and NF-IL6. Nuclear immunoreactivity of the IL-6-activated transcription factor STAT3 was further reduced in neurons from DRG and astrocytes from SDH in LPS tolerant cultures. Conclusion A state of LPS tolerance can be induced in primary cultures from the afferent somatosensory system, which is characterized by a down-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Thus, this model can be applied to study the effects of LPS tolerance at the cellular level, for example possible modifications of neuronal reactivity patterns upon inflammatory stimulation.

mRNA levels for α-subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase and fibrillar collagens in immobilized rat skeletal muscle

1999 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Yan Han ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Raili Myllylä ◽  
Paula Virtanen ◽  
Jarmo Karpakka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rat Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Fibrillar Collagens

There is evidence that immobilization causes a decrease in total collagen synthesis in skeletal muscle within a few days. In this study, early immobilization effects on the expression of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (PH) and the main fibrillar collagens at mRNA and protein levels were investigated in rat skeletal muscle. The right hindlimb was immobilized in full plantar flexion for 1, 3, and 7 days. Steady-state mRNAs for α- and β-subunits of PH and type I and III procollagen, PH activity, and collagen content were measured in gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles. Type I and III procollagen mRNAs were also measured in soleus and tibialis anterior muscles. The mRNA level for the PH α-subunit decreased by 49 and 55% ( P < 0.01) in gastrocnemius muscle and by 41 and 39% ( P < 0.05) in plantaris muscle after immobilization for 1 and 3 days, respectively. PH activity was decreased ( P < 0.05–0.01) in both muscles at days 3 and 7. The mRNA levels for type I and III procollagen were decreased by 26–56% ( P < 0.05–0.001) in soleus, tibialis anterior, and plantaris muscles at day 3. The present results thus suggest that pretranslational downregulation plays a key role in fibrillar collagen synthesis in the early phase of immobilization-induced muscle atrophy.

Bovine granulosa cells express extracellular matrix proteins and their regulators during luteinization in culture

1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Zhao ◽  
MR Luck
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Gelatin Zymography ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Gelatinase Activity ◽  
Cell Extracts

This study investigated the ability of bovine granulosa cells to express and secrete collagen, metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) during luteinization in vitro. Cells from mature (1-2 mL fluid volume) bovine follicles were cultured over 4 days in serum-free medium. Their luteinization during culture was confirmed by a 10-fold increase in progesterone secretion. Samples of cell extracts, culture media and follicular fluid were subjected to Western blotting to identify secreted proteins and to gelatin zymography to detect enzyme activity. Poly A+ RNA, isolated from cells before and after culture, was probed to detect expression of collagen alpha 1(I), collagen alpha 3(IV) and TIMP-1. The results revealed that: (1) the collagen alpha 1(I) subunit gene was expressed in cells before culture but with greater intensity by Day 4 culture; collagen I protein, on the other hand, was not detectable in culture medium; (2) the collagen alpha 3(IV) subunit gene was expressed at a low level in uncultured cells and could be detected on Day 4 of culture; low amounts of the protein were detected in medium; (3) a 92-kDa band of gelatinase activity (presumed MMP-9) was present in all medium samples, together with bands of unidentified activity; and (5) the TIMP-1 gene was expressed in uncultured cells but its expression increased markedly up to Day 4 of culture. These results show that granulosa luteinization is associated with an increase in the expression of collagen, collagen-degrading enzymes and TIMP-1. Collagen protein, however, may be only poorly synthesized in this culture model. The results suggest that granulosa-derived cells are a likely source of components of the extracellular matrix during post-ovulatory remodelling of early luteal tissue.

scholarly journals Orexin-A Exerts Equivocal Role in Atherosclerosis Process Depending on the Duration of Exposure: In Vitro Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Narjes Nasiri Ansari ◽  
Flora Spentza ◽  
Georgios Dimitriadis ◽  
Aphrodite Daskalopoulou ◽  
Angeliki Karapanagioti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gelatin Zymography ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase ◽  
Intermittent Fasting ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Orexin A ◽  
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 ◽  
Feeding Regulation

Orexin-A is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in feeding regulation and energy homeostasis. Diurnal intermittent fasting (DIF) has been found to increase orexin-A plasma levels during fasting hours, while Ramadan fasting which resembles DIF, has led to beneficial effects on endothelial function. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of orexin-A on the expression of molecules involved in the atherogenesis process: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and 2 (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). HAECs were incubated with orexin-A at concentrations of 40 ng/mL, 200 ng/mL and 400 ng/mL for 6, 12 and 24 h. The mRNA levels of MCP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 and orexin-1 receptor were measured by real-time qPCR. We also evaluated the MMP-2, p38, phospho-p38, NF-κΒ/p65 as well as TIMP-1 protein levels by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. MMP-2 activity was measured by gelatin zymography. Short-term 6-h incubation of HAECs with orexin-A at a high concentration (400 ng/mL) decreased MCP-1, MMP-2 expression, MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio (p < 0.05), and MMP-2 activity, while incubation for 24 h increased MCP-1, MMP-2 expression (p < 0.05), MMP-2/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) as well as MMP-2 activity. The dual effects of orexin-A are mediated, at least in part, via regulation of p38 and NF-κΒ pathway. Orexin-A may have an equivocal role in atherosclerosis process with its effects depending on the duration of exposure.

scholarly journals Myosin heavy chain expression in rodent skeletal muscle: effects of exposure to zero gravity

1993 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 2471-2477 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Haddad ◽  
R. E. Herrick ◽  
G. R. Adams ◽  
K. M. Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Muscle Protein ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Relative Content ◽  
Type I ◽  
Zero Gravity ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Heavy Chains ◽  
Vastus Intermedius

This study ascertained the effects of 9 days of zero gravity on the relative (percentage of total) and calculated absolute (mg/muscle) content of isomyosin expressed in both antigravity and locomotor skeletal muscle of ground control (CON) and flight-exposed (FL) rats. Results showed that although there were no differences in body weight between FL and CON animals, a significant reduction in muscle mass occurred in the vastus intermedius (VI) (P < 0.05) but not in the vastus lateralis (VL) or the tibialis anterior. Both total muscle protein and myofibril protein content were not different between the muscle regions examined in the FL and CON groups. In the VI, there were trends for reductions in the relative content of type I and IIa myosin heavy chains (MHCs) that were offset by increases in the relative content of both type IIb and possibly type IIx MHC protein (P > 0.05). mRNA levels were consistent with this pattern (P < 0.05). The same pattern held true for the red region of the VL as examined at both the protein and mRNA level (P < 0.05). When the atrophy process was examined, there were net reductions in the absolute content of both type I and IIa MHCs that were offset by calculated increases in type IIb MHC in both VI and red VL. Collectively, these findings suggest that there are both absolute and relative changes occurring in MHC expression in the "red" regions of antigravity skeletal muscle during exposure to zero gravity that could affect muscle function.

Role of α2-macroglobulin in fever and cytokine responses induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (1) ◽  
pp. R218-R226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander V. Gourine ◽  
Valery N. Gourine ◽  
Yohannes Tesfaigzi ◽  
Nathalie Caluwaerts ◽  
Fred Van Leuven ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Level ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Cytokine Responses ◽  
Α2 Macroglobulin ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Necrosis Factor

α2-Macroglobulin (α2M) is not only a proteinase inhibitor in mammals, but it is also a specific cytokine carrier that binds pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines implicated in fever, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). To define the role of α2M in regulation of febrile and cytokine responses, wild-type mice and mice deficient in α2M (α2M −/−) were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Changes in body temperature as well as plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and hepatic TNF-α mRNA level during fever in α2M −/− mice were compared with those in wild-type control mice. The α2M −/− mice developed a short-term markedly attenuated (ANOVA, P < 0.05) fever in response to LPS (2.5 mg/kg ip) compared with the wild-type mice. At 1.5 h after injection of LPS, the plasma concentration of TNF-α, but not IL-1β or IL-6, was significantly lower (by 58%) in the α2M −/− mice compared with their wild-type controls (ANOVA, P < 0.05). There was no difference in hepatic TNF-α mRNA levels between α2M −/− and wild-type mice 1.5 h after injection of LPS. These data support the hypotheses that 1) α2M is important for the normal development of LPS-induced fever and 2) a putative mechanism of α2M involvement in fever is through the inhibition of TNF-α clearance. These findings indicate a novel physiological role for α2M.

scholarly journals In Vitro Evidence Suggests Activin-A May Promote Tissue Remodeling Associated with Human Luteolysis

Endocrinology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 148 (8) ◽  
pp. 3730-3739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Myers ◽  
Eva Gay ◽  
Alan S. McNeilly ◽  
Hamish M. Fraser ◽  
W. Colin Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Gelatin Zymography ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Primary Cell ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Type I ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Maternal Recognition Of Pregnancy

Luteolysis in women is associated with an up-regulation of the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which is inhibited by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during maternal recognition of pregnancy. Because the primary source of MMP-2 is fibroblasts that do not express LH/hCG receptors, we aimed to investigate the regulation of MMP-2. Women with regular cycles having hysterectomy for nonmalignant conditions and women undergoing oocyte retrieval for assisted conception were used in this current study. Novel primary cultures and cocultures of luteinized granulosa cells and fibroblast-like cells in conjunction with human corpora lutea from different stages of the luteal phase were used to investigate the role of activin-A in the corpus luteum. The effect of hCG, activin-A, and follistatin on MMP-2 activity and expression was assessed by gelatin zymography and quantitative RT-PCR in primary cell cultures. Confirmation of signaling pathways involved in the activation of MMP-2 was assessed by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR. In primary cell culture, steroidogenic cells secrete activin-A and its inhibitors, inhibin-A and follistatin. Follistatin expression is up-regulated by hCG (P &lt; 0.05). The fibroblast-like cells producing MMP-2 have the machinery for activin reception, expressing both type I and type II activin receptors and Smad proteins. Activin-A up-regulated both activity and expression of MMP-2 in fibroblast-like cells (P &lt; 0.05). This activity was inhibited in cocultures of luteinized granulosa cells and fibroblast-like cells in the presence of hCG (P &lt; 0.05) or follistatin (P &lt; 0.01). Activin-A is an excellent candidate for an effector molecule in human luteolysis whose paracrine action is inhibited during maternal recognition of pregnancy.

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