Correlation of contrast enhanced MR image with expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and angiogenesis in astrocytoma

Objective To investigate the correlation of MR signs of contrast enhancement with the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9, angiogenesis and the pathologic grades in astrocytomas. Methods The MMP-9 and MVD expression were detected in 40 cases of astrocytomas by immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibody to MMP-9 and CD34. The extent of contrast enhancement was determined on MR. Results The extent of contrast enhancement in gradeⅠ-Ⅱ astrocytoma was significantly lower than that in gradeⅢ-Ⅳ astrocytoma (P0.05); the larger contrast enhancement extent was the higher the expression of MMP-9 and MVD would be (P0.05); MVD and expression of MMP-9 in gradeⅠ-Ⅱ astrocytoma was significantly lower than that in grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ astrocytoma (P0.05). Conclusion The extent of contrast enhancement in astrocytomas has a close correlation with the expression of MMP 9 and angiogenesis and the pathologic grades.