Localization of messenger RNA for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and type IV collagenases/gelatinases in monkey hepatocellular carcinomas.

Studies of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) suggest that one of their main functions is to inhibit metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and thus prevent tumor invasion by preserving extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity. In the present study we examined the distribution of transcripts for TIMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in monkey hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. In situ hybridization demonstrated elevated levels of TIMP-1 transcripts in fibrous tissue septa, tumor inflammatory infiltrate, tumor blood vessels and in expanded portal areas. However, elevated transcripts for MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found only in tumor inflammatory infiltrate. In lung metastasis high levels of TIMP-1 transcripts were found in the stromal cells surrounding necrotic tumor nodules, in tumor blood vessels, and in mesothelial cells. MMP-9 transcripts were elevated at the periphery of the necrotic tumor nodules. These findings suggest that TIMP-1 and type IV collagenases/gelatinases can be independently regulated in vivo and that TIMP-1 may have functions in ECM remodeling which are unrelated to inhibition of MMP activity.