Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases. MMPs can degrade and remodel extracellular matrix, also active or inactive many molecules attaching to matrix including receptors, growth factors and cytokines, so that injury-induced MMPs can change the extracellular environment to affect the axonal regeneration in central nervous system. In this review, with spinal cord injury (SCI) as an example we discuss the effects of MMPs on inflammation, neuronal viability, extracellular molecules, glial scar and axonal remyelination, which are all important to axonal regeneration.
基质金属蛋白酶（MMPs）是锌离子依赖的蛋白水解酶，它不仅能降解和重塑细胞外基质而且能调节基质依附的受体和分子活性，从而改变细胞外环境，影响中枢神经损伤后的轴突再生。本文以脊髓损伤为例，分别从炎症反应、神经元的生存、细胞外分子、胶质疤痕与轴突再髓鞘化等方面阐述了MMPs对轴突再生的影响，希望加强对MMPs的认识，从而促进其应用。