Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 activity in bovine synovial fluids

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes found in connective tissues and thought to be involved in cartilage degradation. They are detec table in bovine synovial fluid and may play a destructive role in bovine se ptic arthritis. The MMP gelatinase enzymes were detected by gelatin zymogra phy using image analysis of the gels. The active gelatinase levels were det ermined by a gelatin degradation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Increased concentrations of MMP-9 activity were found in the synovial flui ds of cows with septic arthritis (P < 0.001) in comparison with fluids from normal joints. Using the gelatin degradation ELISA the net active gelatina ses were measured, and significant increases were found in gelatinase bioac tivities in synovial fluids from septic joint disease cases (P < 0.001). In creased concentrations of MMP-2 activity were found in the synovial fluids of cows with aseptic arthritis, which appeared to be playing an important r ole in degradation of articular cartilage in joint disease. This finding re quired further investigation.