Increase in Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Permeability Is Regulated by MMP3 via the ERK Signaling Pathway

Figure 4

MMP3 increases BBB permeability. (a, b) Evans blue dye was administered via tail-vein intracardial injection to WT mice, MMP3-KO mice (KO), and WT mice that had been treated with MMP3. Two hours later, saline was injected to clear the dye from the vasculature, and the brains were harvested. Extravasation of the dye was evaluated (a) qualitatively in brain images and (b) quantitatively via spectrophotometric measurements of absorbance (632-nm wavelength). Dye quantities were calculated by comparing absorbance measurements to a standard curve. , . (c) Sodium-FITC was administered via tail-vein injection to mice, and dye extravasation was quantified 2 hours later via fluorescence intensity. Dye quantities were calculated by comparing fluorescence measurements to a standard curve. .

(a)

(b)

(c)