Matrix metalloproteinases in endometrial breakdown and repair: Functional significance in a mouse model

Abstract

Considerable correlative evidence suggests an important role for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in menstruation, a process which occurs naturally in very few species. In this study, MMP expression was examined in a mouse model of endometrial breakdown and repair and the functional importance of MMPs determined. In the model, progesterone support was withdrawn from mice in which endometrial decidualization had been induced; 24 h later, endometrial breakdown was complete, and the entire decidual zone had been shed. Re-epittielialization had occurred by 36 h, and the endometrium had undergone extensive restoration toward a predecidualized state by 48 h. Immunoreactive MMP9 and MMP7 colocalize..