Previous studies have reported that decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is associated with early stage(age 8 to 16 weeks)ventricular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We hypothesized that inhibited CD147/MMP-2 signaling might down-regulate MMP-2 expression and augment remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. 29 male SHR (8 weeks) were randomly assigned to SHR, CD147, and CD147+DOX groups. The control group included 8 age-matched WKY rats. CD147 and CD147+DOX groups received recombinant human CD147(600 ng/kg in 1.5 ml saline, weekly). SHR and WKY groups received the vehicle. The CD147+DOX group also received doxycycline, an inhibitor of MMPs,(daily, 30mg/kg in 1.5 ml saline, iG). On day 56 echocardiography and left ventricular mass index (LVWI) measurements were collected and histological sections were stained for cell and collagen content. Myocardium MMP-2, TIMP-1, CD147, and collagens types I and III were estimated by western blot. CD147 and the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-1 were lower in SHR than WKY rats (P < 0.05). Myocyte hypertrophy, partial fiber breaks, plasmolysis, necrosis and collagen content [collagen volume fraction(CVF), I and III] in SHR were above control levels (P < 0.05). CD147 rats showed CD147, MMP-2 and MMP-2/TIMP-1 were increased (p
