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Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been found to have a diverse role in the development, normal physiology and pathology within numerous ocular tissues. To the authors knowledge, this is the first study to quantify intraocular MMP activity levels related to the aqueous humor outflow pathway within normal verses glaucomatous canine eyes. Using zymography, we identified the dominant MMP activity within the aqueous humor and iridocorneal drainage angle tissue for both normal and glaucomatous dogs. Immunohistochemical localization of MMPs within the entire globe was also performed.MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found to be the most active MMP involved with the aqueous humor outflow pathway in dogs. A significant correlation between increasing MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity levels and the presence of glaucoma was found. Further, localization of MMP-2 and MMP-9 within the iridocorneal angle tissue, iris and cornea were found to be altered in normal versus glaucomatous canine eyes.