RT-PCR ANALYSIS OF MMP-9 EXPRESSION IN HUMAN ARTICULAR-CARTILAGE CHONDROCYTES AND SYNOVIAL-FLUID CELLS

This report presents a method for analyzing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (92 kD gelatinase) MMP-9 mRNA expression using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). With this method, chondrocytes iso lated from small samples of osteoarthritic cartilage showed significan tly elevated signal far MMP-9 mRNA compared to normal cartilage. In ad dition, cells of synovial fluid samples aspirated from osteoarthritic joints also exhibited MMP-9 expression using this technique. RT-PCR pr oved to be a sensitive method for assessing MMP-9 regulation in osteoa rthritic and normal cartilage, and may provide a useful index of arthr itic cartilage acid synovial fluid cell metabolism when limited tissue is available.