Gelatinolytic matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 in tracheobronchial lavage fluid obtained from calves with concurrent infections of Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma bovirhinis

Abstract

To study gelatinolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in tracheobronchial lavage fluid (TBLF) obtained from clinically normal calves and calves with Pasteurella multocida infection. Samples of TBLF obtained from 11 calves with clinical signs of respiratory tract disease and growth of P multocida and Mycoplasma spp during culture of TBLF and samples of TBLF from 6 clinically normal calves with no bacterial growth during culture of TBLF. MMPs in TBLF were analyzed by use of gelatin zymography. Gelatinases were identified on the basis of molecular weights and inhibition by EDTA. The main gelatinolytic MMPs detected were the proform (90 to 110 kd) and active form (75 to 85 kd) of MMP-9 (gelatinase B) and the proform (67 to 75 kd) and active form (< 65 kd) of MMP-2 (gelatinase A). Increased amounts of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in TBLF of calves with respiratory tract disease, compared with amounts of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 in TBLF of clinically normal calves. Concurrent infection with Mycoplasma bovirhinis in calves with pneumonia attributable to P multocida was associated with higher concentrations of MMP-9. The host response to P multocida includes increases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations in TBLF. Greater amounts of MMPs detected in calves with concurrent M bovirhinis and P multocida infection indicates synergism between these organisms.