Matrix metalloproteinase expression in primary lung fibroblasts of layer type chickens

Abstract

We attempted to determine the growth characteristics of cultured lung fibroblasts of layer type chickens and to investigate presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in these cells in vitro. Lung fibroblasts were isolated, characterized and subcultured from one-day-old layer type chicken lungs. Two different methods, explant culture and enzymatic techniques, were used for culturing and the results were compared. The presence of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 was shown in cultured fibroblasts by immunocytochemical staining, immune blotting and zymography methods. Immune expressions of neither MMP-9 nor TIMP-2 enzymes could be detected.

Key words::

• chicken
• immunocytochemistry
• immunoblotting
• lung fibroblast
• matrix metalloproteinases
• zymography

Acknowledgment

This study was supported financially by the Uludag University Research Funds (Project numbers: 2000/47 and partly by 2009/22), Bursa, Turkey.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest; the authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.