ABSTRACT
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) provides a reliable indicator of ongoing tissue remodeling. In particular, gelatinase A (MMP-2) and B (MMP-9) have attracted considerable attention in normal tissue events and also in various pathological conditions, including inflammation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. A new double-staining method, termed in situ zymography (ISZ), may lead to new directions in individualized medicine. The new technique was originally introduced to detect the activity of other kinds of enzymes, such as plasminogen activator, at that time mainly using animal tissue. It is principally based on the visualization of digested substrate on/beneath the fresh tissue section [1].
