Immunolocalization of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in human cells. Characterization and use of a specific antiserum.

A specific antiserum to pure human amniotic fluid metalloproteinase inhibitor (TIMP) was raised in a sheep. This antiserum was used to demonstrate: firstly, the immunological identity of the TIMP activities from amniotic fluid and culture medium of human foetal lung fibroblasts; and secondly, by indirect immunofluorescence, the secretion of TIMP by human foetal lung fibroblasts, chondrocytes, epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells. The phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, was used to stimulate secretion of TIMP by human foetal lung fibroblasts and the ionophore monensin was used to demonstrate intracellular accumulation of TIMP in the Golgi apparatus of these cells. These results are discussed in relation to other inhibitors of collagenase reported in the literature, which are probably identical to TIMP.