Critical role for matrix metalloproteinase-9 in platelet-activating factor-induced experimental tumor metastasis

In this study, the roles of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced experimental pulmonary metastasis of the murine melanoma cell, B16F10, were investigated. An injection of PAF resulted in increases in mRNA expression, protein levels and the activities of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the lungs. The overall expression of MMP-9 was stronger than that of MMP-2. The increased MMP-9 expression was inhibited by both NF-kappa B and AP-1 inhibitors, whereas the increased MMP-2 expression was inhibited by only AP-1 inhibitors. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that MMP-9 was expressed in bronchial epithelial cells as well as in the walls of blood vessels, whereas MMP-2 expression was observed only in bronchial epithelial cells. PAF significantly enhanced the pulmonary metastasis of B16F10, which was inhibited by both NF-kappa B and c-jun inhibitors. MMP-9 inhibitor, but not that of MMP-2, completely inhibited PAF-induced B16F10 metastasis. These data indicate that MMP-9, the expression of which was regulated by NF-kappa B and AP-1, plays a critical role in PAF-induced enhancement of pulmonary melanoma metastasis. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.