Fig. 6.

Distribution of MMP-1 and MMP-7 in the aorta of Preg and RUPP rats. Cryosections (6 μm) of the aorta of Preg (A) and RUPP rats (B) were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining or immunohistochemical staining using MMP-1 or MMP-7 antibodies (1:100). For MMP immunostaining, the total number of pixels in the tissue section wall was first defined and the number of brown spots (pixels) was then counted and presented as a percentage of the total wall area (C and D). The number of pixels in the specific vascular layer (intima, media, and adventitia) was also defined and transformed into the area in mm² using a calibration bar. The number of brown spots (pixels) representing MMP-1 and MMP-7 in each vascular layer was then counted and presented as number of pixels per mm² (E and F). Total magnification: ×400. Bar graphs represent means ± SE; n = 4−6/group. *Measurements in RUPP rats were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the corresponding measurements in Preg rats.