Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) by cultured human choroidal melanocytes, so as to implore more physiologic functions of choroidal melanocytes.
Methods: :
Immunocytochemical methods were used to identify human choroidal melanocytes. We detected the quantity of MMPs and TIMPs by Western blot and positioned them by immunofluroescent staining.
Results: :
In Western blot study using the same amount of total protein, we detected only MMP–2 in normal choroidal melanocytes by every characteristic antibody, while the signals of MMP–1, 3, 9 and TIMP–1, 2 were not found. MMPs were expressed in the cytoplasm of melanocytes by immunofluroescent staining.
Conclusions: :
Some type of MMPs could be expressed by cultured choroidal melanocytes; while TIMPs could not be expressed.
Keywords: melanocytes • choroid • extracellular matrix