INVOLVEMENT OF MMP-1 AND MMP-3 IN COLLAGEN DEGRADATION INDUCED BY IL-1 IN RABBIT CARTILAGE EXPLANT CULTURE

To determine whether matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) or MMP-3 is in volved in cartilage collagen degradation, polyclonal antibodies were s eparately raised against MMP-1 and MMP-3 and their effects on collagen degradation were assessed in rabbit cartilage explant culture. We fou nd that anti-MMP-1 antibodies completely inhibited collagen degradatio n induced by the combination of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and plasminogen. Anti-MMP3 antibodies showed 40% inhibition at maximum concentration. T hese results indicate that MMP-1, and possibly MMP-3, are involved in collagen degradation in cartilage explant culture. (C) 1998 Elsevier S cience Inc.