Urokinase Increases the Content and Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 during in Vivo Constrictive Arterial Remodeling.

Abstract Perivascular application of urokinase to ballooned artery stimulating the formation of neointima and constrictive arterial remodeling increased the content and activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in vivo. Application of recombinant tissue plasminogen produced no such changes. It was demonstrated that urokinase stimulates expression of matrix metalloproteinases in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]