Matrix metalloproteinase 9 may be involved in contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells in an in vitro rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Our previous study determined that prominent cerebral vasospasm (CVS) may occur in an in vivo model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression levels in basilar arteries were upregulated in a similar manner to the development of CVS following SAH. To identify the changes that occur in the contractility of cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells and the expression levels of MMP9 in an in vitro model of SAH, rat cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells were isolated, cultured, and then stimulated with hemolysate. Additionally, 2[(4phenoxyphenylsulfonyl)methyl]thiirane (SB3CT), a selective MMP9 inhibitor, was used to determine the effect of MMP9 on the contractility of cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells. Cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells were successfully isolated and cultured in vitro, and hemolysate stimulation enhanced their contractility and increased MMP9 expression levels. The present study also revealed that pretreatment with SB3CT decreased MMP9 expression levels in cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced their contractility upon hemolysate treatment. Therefore, the current study confirmed that MMP9 is important for the enhancement of the contractility of cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells in an in vitro rat model of SAH.