Matrixmetalloproteinase-1 in cholesteatoma, middle ear granulations and deep meatal skin: a comparative analysis

Nine cholesteatomas, seven middle ear granulations and five deep meatal ski n specimens were analysed for gelatinase activity at molecular weights corr esponding to those of Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) using SDS PAGE Zym ography. Gelatinase activity at 41-43 kDa and 45-47 kDa was investigated. W estern blotting was employed using a primary monoclonal antibody to MMP-1 t o provide a qualitative assessment of MMP-1. Western blotting was also used with a monoclonal antibody to MMP-3 to discover if MMP-3 gelatinase activi ty occurring around the molecular weight of MMP-1 may have contributed to t he results. A significantly higher expression of activity was recorded in c holesteatoma and middle ear granulations at 45-47 kDa in comparison with de ep meatal skin. Western blotting indices were to be present in all of the c holesteatoma specimens tested. Only one of the specimens (cholesteatoma) te sted showed ally MMP-3 presence.