Modified profile of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 production by human Fallopian tube epithelial cells following infection in vitro with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Epithelial shedding and scarring of Fallopian tube mucosa are the main consequences of sexually transmitted Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and likely involves an imbalance of host extracellular matrix components (ECM) and their regulators such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this brief report, primary human Fallopian tube epithelial cells were infected with N. gonorrhoeae and MMP patterns examined. Gonococcal infection induced a significant increase in secreted MMP-9 and an accumulation of cytoplasmic MMP-2 over time, but no significant MMP-3 or MMP-8 production was observed. Thus, MMP-9 in particular could play a role in tubal scarring in response to gonococcal infection.