The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase and Apoptosis in Encephalitic Listeriosis of Naturally Infected Sheep

Abstract In this study, the role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the pathophysiology of meningoencephalitis in naturally infected sheep with Listeria monocytogenesis was investigated. 25 sheep brains with listeric meningoencephalitis were used in the study. 10 slaughterhouse material sheep brains were also used as a control. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically with Liseria, MMP-2 and MMP-9 antibodies. TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptosis which is thought to occur during the neurodegeneration formed in the disease. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were expressed vascular endothelial cells, inflammatory cell, microglia and especially in neurons in infected brain tissue. As a result of the study, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions and TUNEL staining were significantly increased in infective tissues compared to controls and this difference was statistically significant. These results suggested that L. monocytogenes -related increases MMP-2 and MMP-9 that the associated apoptosis participate in neurodegeneration and neuropathology in listeric encephalitis