Expression and localization of the MMP inhibitor RECK in a rat model of COPD: its involvement in the development of COPD

Z.-X. Li, X. Wang, X.-G. Guo, H.-Z. Xiong, T.-P. Li

Department of Sleep Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China. taoping_li@126.com

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• Respiratory Medicine

OBJECTIVE: To unravel the potential function of reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) as the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve specific pathogen-free Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control cohort (n = 6) or the COPD cohort (n = 6). COPD model was developed by tobacco smoke exposure. Functional residual capacity (FRC), static lung compliance (Cchord), ratio of forced expiratory volume in 0.1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV0.1/FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were detected by respiratory function tests. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the pathological changes as well as the expression and localization of RECK in pulmonary tissue. RECK expression was further quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot assays.

RESULTS: COPD rats had significantly reduced FEV0.1/FVC% and PEF values but increased FRC and Cchord levels, as compared to the control cohort (p < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining indicated typical COPD pathological changes, including leukocyte infiltration, airway thickening, alveoli fusion, etc., in the COPD rats. IHC indicated reduced expression of RECK in the COPD cohort, which was mainly expressed on the epithelium and partly expressed on subepithelial cells and inflammatory cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot assays further revealed the significantly lower expression of RECK in lung tissue from the COPD cohort.

CONCLUSIONS: RECK is mainly expressed on airway epithelial cells. COPD rats expressed significantly lower RECK levels, indicating that RECK exhibits a protective function in the development of COPD.

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