A SYNTHETIC PEPTIDE METALLOPROTEINASE INHIBITOR, BUT NOT TIMP, PREVENTS THE BREAKDOWN OF PROTEOGLYCAN WITHIN ARTICULAR-CARTILAGE INVITRO

IL1-stimulated pig articular cartilage fragments were cultured in the presence and absence of various metalloproteinase inhibitors. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) was unable to stop the release of proteoglycan from the cartilage. Incubation of cartilage with a potent synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitor inhibited the release of proteoglycan in a dose-dependent fashion. The results suggest that low-M(r) metalloproteinase inhibitors may have therapeutic potential in limiting connective tissue breakdown in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.