Improved MMPs in p110δ-mutant mice contributes to rupture of thoracic aorta

AIM: To observe the pathological characteristics of the thoracic aorta in the p110δ-mutant mice.METHODS: The thoracic aorta of wild type male mice and p110δ-deficient male mice (8 weeks old) were achieved. HE, IHC and IF staining were performed on the paraffin fixed arterial sections. The mRNA expression was detected by real-time PCR.RESULTS: The vascular wall became thinner and the vessel diameter enlarged after inactivating mutation of p110δ. After inactivating mutation of p110δ, the smooth muscle cells showed vacuolar degeneration, morphological disorders and elastic fiber local fracture. The collagen content was reduced after inactivating mutation of p110δ. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and MMP-9 was up-regulated after inactivating mutation of p110δ.CONCLUSION: Inactivating mutation of p110δ may contribute to the injury of artery vascular wall by up-regulation of MMPs.