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To elucidate potential mechanisms of enhanced type 2 matrix metalloprotease levels and activity within the thickened aged rat aorta, the present study measured its mRNA and protein levels and those of its membrane bound activator, MT1-MMP, its endogenous tissue inhibitor, TIMP-2, tissue type, and urokinase plasminogen activators and their receptors, and an inhibitor of plasminogen activation in aortae from Fisher 344X Brown Norway rats, 2 to 30 months of age. Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and in situ zymography of aortae detected a marked age-associated increase in gelatinolytic activity of type 2 metalloprotease within the thickened intima, internal elastic lamina, and elastic fibers in the inner part of the thickened tunica media, whereas the intimal tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2 mRNA and protein levels were not age related. Both activators of plasminogen and their …