GELATINASES IN DRUG-INDUCED TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS

Background The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP2 and MMP9 play a s ignificant role in epidermal detachment, inflammation and re-epithelia lization. We have evaluated their activity in toxic epidermal necrolys is (TEN). Design The level and pattern of activity of MMP2 and MMP9 we re investigated by measuring the degradation of H-3-labelled gelatin a nd by zymography in blister fluid from six TEN patients and compared t he results with three other blistering conditions: bullous pemphigoid (n = 6), second-degree burn (n = 13) or suction blister (n = 3). Resul ts A higher amount of MMP2 was found in TEN blister fluid with the con stant presence of a significantly larger proportion of the activated f orms of MMP2, a particular feature of TEN, than the other blistering d iseases studied. Conclusion This study emphasizes the potential role o f MMP2 in the specific inflammatory reaction and reparation process in TEN skin.