Expression Of Matrix Metalloproteinases-9 And Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor In Intracranial Aneutysms

Objective To examine the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9(MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in intracranial aneurysms and compare them with those expressed in normal brain vessels tissue. To investigate the importance of MMP-9 and VEGF in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms development and growth.Methods 16 samples of intracranial aneurysms were obtained in the operation and 7 normal cerebral vessels tissue were examined using immunohistechemistry technique. All the stained sections were observed under the microscope recording the positive site and intensity, and quantitative analysis was taken by automatic-image–analysis system prodused by QianPing image company for protein expression of MMP-9 and VEGF.Result The normal control showed negative immunohistochemistry staining but the aneurysms had a positive rate of 81.2%(MMP-9, 13/16) and 87.5%(VEGF, 14/16). The expression of MMP-9 and VEGF were significantly different between the aneurysms and normal control. MMP-9 was expressed in the endothelium, media and adventitia layers of the aneurysms, but the expression was not the same in them, and VEGF was expressed mainly media and adventitia layers of the aneurysms. The expression of MMP-9 and VEGF were expressed in the cytoplasm of positive cells. Conclusion The development, progress and rupture of aneurysms is a very complicated process. MMP-9 and VEGF may be one of the main responsible factors. MMP-9 and VEGF may play an effective role in development, growth and maintenance of intracranial aneurysms.