Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To compare the effects of Moxonidine and Benazepril on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in kidney of Adriamycin-treated rats. Method Uninephrectomized Wistar rats were given intravenously Adriamycin and then divided into model group, Moxonidine group (1.5mg/kg), Benazepril group (10mg/kg) and control group. By the end of the 12th week, blood pressure, proteinuria, plasma norepinephrine (NE) and plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) were measured. Kidney pathology was investigated by quantitative histology. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were determined by immunohistochemical staining. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNAs were evaluated by in situ hybridization. Result In the model group, urinary albumin excretion, plasma NE and Ang II, mean arterial pressure, relative area of interstitial fibrosis, mean glomerular volume, and ratio of kidney weight/body weight were significantly increased, as compared with those of the control group. In the model group, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and their mRNAs were significantly up-regulated. In the Moxonidine and Benazepril groups, proteinuria, plasma NE and Ang II, and TIMP-1 and its mRNA were significantly down-regulated, but MMP-9 and its mRNA were up-regulated further. Conclusion Moxonidine and Benazepril protect the kidney possibly by inhibiting sympathetic activity and regulating the catabolism of extracellular matrices.

Key words: Benazepril, MMP-9, TIMP-1