Type-I interferon regulates matrix metalloproteinases clearance of the bovine endometrial spheroid

This study investigated the effect of type-I interferon (IFN) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) of the bovine endometrial stromal cells (BES) and epithelial cells (BEE). The cells were separated and purified from the caruncles and cultured in DMEM/F-12 containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Spheroids were generated by using ascorbate. Zymograms of the supernatant showed that BEE predominantly expressed MMP-9, whereas MMP-2 was expressed in BES and homo-spheroids. While MMPs expression was not detected in hetero-spheroids. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that type-I IFN and P4 suppressed the gene expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in hetero-spheroids, respectively. On the other hand, gelatin zymography analysis of the supernatant showed that type-I IFN strongly promote the clearance of MMPs. While zymograms of the MMPs stocked in the hetero-spheroids were significantly reduced by type-I IFN. Phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride and leupeptin (both are serine proteinase inhibitors) significantly repressed the clearance of MMP-2 and MMP-9 induced by type-I IFN. Moreover, collagen fibers in hetero-spheroids significantly decreased after the treatment with type-I IFN. In conclusion, it was suggested that type-I IFN participate in the tissue remodeling by regulation the clearance of MMPs.