Figure 4.
MMP-9 expression after MCA thromboembolism. Representative images of MMP-9 immunofluorescence staining (red) in the ischemic hemispheres of mice with increased a2AP (⇑a2AP), normal a2AP levels (control), a2AP deficiency (a2AP−/−) as well as mice treated with a2AP inactivation (a2AP-I) or TPA. MMP-9 expression was assessed by double immunofluorescence staining for MMP-9 (DyLight549, red) and collagen IV (DyLight488, green). Representative micrographs with DAPI-stained nuclei (blue) were taken using a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope at 40x magnification. Bar graph, quantitative digital analysis of the density of MMP-9 immunofluorescence (immunofluorescence units) of ten 40x fields from each stroke hemisphere. Data represent means ± SE of n = 4-5 mice per group. Line graph, relation between of MMP-9 immunofluorescence staining density (units) and a2AP blood levels in mice supplemented with a2AP, normal and a2AP-deficient mice. *p≤0.05, ** p≤0.001, ***p≤0.001. Bar =50 μm.