matrix metalloproteinase activity

Objective Reports on the effects of bone marrow-derived cells on hepatic fibrosis are contradictory. Impaired fibrosis but increased inflammation has recently been demonstrated 10 weeks after bone marrow transplantation (BM-Tx) in Abcb4 � /� mice. It is hypothesised that BM-Tx might have long-term therapeutic potential by altering the immunological and matrix remodelling processes leading to hepatic regeneration. Methods After lethal irradiation of recipient mice, BM cells from GFP+ donor mice (allogeneic Tx) or Abcb4 � /� mice (syngeneic Tx) were transplanted via tail vein injection. Readouts were performed 2, 10 and 20 weeks