Type IV collagenases in human amniotic fluids and amnion epithelial cells.

TitleType IV collagenases in human amniotic fluids and amnion epithelial cells.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsLehtovirta, J, Vartio, T
JournalBiochim Biophys Acta
Volume1206
Issue1
Pagination83-9
Date Published1994 May 18
ISSN0006-3002
KeywordsAmnion, Amniotic Fluid, Collagenases, Culture Media, Humans, Indicators and Reagents
Abstract

Gelatin zymograms revealed in human second trimester amniotic fluids a constant M(r) 66,000 proteolytically active polypeptide that in immunoblotting was recognized by antiserum against the human fibroblast gelatinase/type IV collagenase. Isolated cultured human amnion epithelial cells produced the M(r) 66,000 proteinase and frequently a M(r) 92,000 one. The production of the former was enhanced by transforming growth factor-beta and that of the latter by tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that the M(r) 66,000 amnion epithelial cell proteinase was identical with that found in the amniotic fluids and that the M(r) 92,000 one corresponded to the human macrophage/granulocyte gelatinase/type IV collagenase. Approximate quantifications of the M(r) 66,000 proteinase in amniotic fluids and sera from same individuals were assessed by comparison of dilution series of the samples and standard enzyme preparations in zymography. These measurements indicated that the amount of the proteinase in the amniotic fluids was about 5-10 micrograms/ml representing 0.1-0.2% of total proteins. In sera the corresponding figures were 30-40 micrograms/ml and 0.03-0.06%, respectively. Thus the relative concentration of the M(r) 66,000 proteinase in amniotic fluids was approx. 3-4-fold that in sera, suggesting local production of the protein. The proteinase may be produced by amnion epithelial cells that under so far unknown physiologic stimulus also may start secreting the M(r) 92,000 enzyme.

Alternate JournalBiochim. Biophys. Acta
PubMed ID8186253