Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are synthesized in response to diverse stimuli including cytokines, growth factors, hormones, and oxidative stress.
Methods: Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were stimulated with nitric oxide (NO) and MMP-13 expression and activity was assayed.
Results: NO transcriptionally regulated matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression in BAEC, while the cGMP analog 8Br-cGMP mimicked the effect of NO. In addition NO also stimulated the proteolytic processing of MMP-13 from the pro-enzyme to the final active form in a dose dependent manner.
Conclusion: NO transcriptionally regulates MMP expression and activity in the vascular endothelium. This effect of NO may be of pathophysiological importance in the context of angiogenesis, inflammation or atherogenesis.