Effects of anticoagulants on the activity of gelatinases

Our results indicate that MMP-2 and MMP-9 in their active forms are not released by platelets during blood clotting, whereas the use of calcium chelating anticoagulants can profoundly alter the activity of endogenous gelatinases. This suggests that the determination of active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in serum samples represents a suitable procedure.