Figure 5

MMP mRNA levels in the in vivo model of LPS induced neutrophilic inflammation. Rats were challenged with aerosolised endotoxin free saline or aerosolised LPS (0.3 mg/ml) for 30 minutes, and were sacrificed with an overdose of sodium pentobarbitone, and lung lobes were obtained for mRNA levels. MMP mRNA levels were determined by Real Time PCR (A: MMP-7; B: MMP-8; C: MMP-9; D: MMP-11; E: MMP-12; F: TIMP-1; G: TIMP-2 and H: TIMP-3). All the values are expressed as mean ± s.e. mean of 6 observations. Data in the graphs are expressed as relative units. Table 4 shows the data for the remaining MMPs/TIMPs. Data were deemed to be BRDL, if the value was less than 0.1. MMP-3, 10 and 13 were BRDL. Where the levels in the time-matched vehicle controls were BRDL, statistical significance could not be determined. Statistical significance was determined using an unpaired t test with each independent group compared to the time matched vehicle control. If the variances of the two groups were significantly different then the Mann Whitney rank sum test was used. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant and denoted with *. All the values are expressed as mean ± s.e. mean of 6 observations.