Extracellular matrix degradation hydrolase

Proteases contribute to the inflammatory response to injury, forming a final common pathway that leads to BBB breakdown, hemorrhage, and cell death. After traumatic and ischemic injuries, there is a buildup of lactate, which is increased with hyperglycemia. Acidosis leads to release of acid hydrolases, which are destructive enzymes that attack cellular components, including membranes, resulting in cell necrosis. In situations where the pH remains neutral, increases in intracellular calcium and cytokines cause induction of neutral proteases. The main neutral proteases are the extracellular matrix-degrading MMPs, plasminogen activator/plasmin, and caspases. 

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