Metalloproteinase 2 activity and modulation in uterus from neonatal-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats during embryo implantation

PUSTOVRH CAROLINA; JAWERBAUM ALICIA; SINNER DÉBORA; WHITE VERÓNICA; CAPOBIANCO EVANGELINA; GONZÁLEZ ELIDA

REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

CSIRO PUBLISHING

Lugar: Peth, Australia; Año: 2002 vol. 14 p. 479 - 485

1031-3613

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for the remodeling of the uterine extracellular matrix during embryo implantation. NO production is increased at the time when implantation begins. Abnormal tissue levels of MMPs are present in diabetes, where elevated NO levels in tissues and an increased oxidative stress are also found. In the present work we evaluate the uterine MMP2 activity and levels during embryo implantation, as well as the influence of nitridergic compounds and ROS on the MMP2 enzymatic activity in a model of neonatal-streptozotocin-diabetic rat. MMP-2 activity and levels are increased in diabetic tissues compared to controls (p<0.05 and p<0.002 respectively). The uterine enzymatic activity in diabetic animals decreases in the presence of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME (p<0.01) and is enhanced (p<0.005) when a generating ROS system (xanthine/xanthine oxidase) is added in the incubating medium.  We have also found that uterine superoxide dismutase activity is higher in diabetic than in control rats in the day of implantation (p<0.001), suggesting a compensatory antioxidant ability. In conclusion, the results show that the uterine MMP2 activity, higher in diabetic than in control animals, is positively modulated by NO and ROS during embryo implantation in a model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.