PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that extracellular matrix turnover, mediated by the matrix metalloproteinases, modulates aqueous humor outflow facility in a human outflow model. METHODS Matrix metalloproteinase activity was manipulated and outflow facility evaluated using perfused human anterior segment organ culture. Purified matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases ...

Inhibition of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) has been shown in vivo to decrease metastasis and tumor-associated angiogenesis. Our laboratory is interested in understanding the role of these proteins at the pericellular microenvironment of tumor and endothelial cells. Secretion of MMPs by tumor cells enables the migration, invasion and metasta...

The structure and function of snake venom proteases are briefly reviewed by putting the focus on their effects on hemostasis and thrombosis and comparing with their mammalian counterparts. Up to date, more than 150 different proteases have been isolated and about one third of them structurally characterized. Those proteases are classified into serine proteases and metalloproteinases. A number o...

We have previously documented that adoptively transferred IL-2-activated NK (A-NK) cells can accumulate within cancer metastases. Electron microscopic studies of pulmonary metastases have revealed that adoptively transferred A-NK cells that accumulate within metastases bind to endothelial cells and are able to traverse basement membranes. We have now extended these morphologic studies. We repor...