| Objective: To explore the expression and role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in mice with infection of herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) after amniotic membrane transplantation and to investigate the relationship between the change of expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and the course of keratitis.Methods: Forty Balb/c mice were divided into two groups and inflected with HSV-1. Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) was performed in AMT group. At different time points (2,7,14 days) after AMT, the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in corneas were detected immunohistochemically, and the results were analyzed by computer medical image analysis system.Results: 17 corneas in the control group developed HSK, while 9 corneas in the AMT group developed HSK and there was a significant difference between the onset of HSK. The degree of corneal pathological changes, opacification and neovascularization of AMT group was great lower than the control group. In control group, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were expressed in the epithelial cells and stromal and exudated inflammatory cells. The level of MMP-9 elevated on the 2nd day, peaked on the 14th day. TIMP-1 was expressed on the 7th day, reached peaks on the 14th day. At the same point, the level of MMP-9 in AMT group were greatly lower than the control group, while the level of TIMP-1 in AMT group were higher than the control group.Conclusions: Immediate intervention for HSK with amniotic membrane transplantation may promotes wound healing and inhibits the development of cornea melting by adjusting the proportion of matrix metalloproteinase and its tissue inhibitor by epithelium and inflammatory cells. |
