Metalloproteinases in canine experimental traumatic keratoconjunctivitis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to be involved in eye disease and may be present in tears. MMP activity was measured by gelatine zymograp hy. Active gelatinase levels were determined by a gelatine degradation ELIS A. Potential MMP-9 (gelatinase-B) monomer enzyme activity was elevated (P < 0.001) in keratoconjunctivitis in comparison to normal tears, MMP-9, dimer form, enzyme activity was elevated (P < 0.001) in fluids from keratoconjun ctivitis cases in comparison to fluids from normal eyes. Significant increa ses in gelatinase bioactivities were seen in tears from keratoconjunctiviti s disease cases (P < 0.01). Enzymes in dogs with eye disease were biologica lly active indicating that both the active forms of the enzyme were present . Hence, they could be an important indicator in deterioration of the corne a during eye disease.