Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases function in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix during growth and development as well as in injury and disease processes. We examined the role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in a model of olfactory nerve injury in mice. We measured changes in matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein levels for up to 60 days following olfactory nerve transection. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels increased within hours after injury, peaked at day 1 and were elevated for approximately 2 weeks before returning to control levels over the 60-day time period. The increase in matrix metalloproteinase-9 was temporally associated with the degeneration of olfactory neurons that follows nerve transection and with increased gliosis. Our results demonstrate a temporal relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-9 elevation, degeneration of olfactory neurons and gliosis.