PURPOSE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) have been linked to the angiogenic process in general. In order to understand the potential roles of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMPs in the corneal neovascularization process, we examined the expression and activities of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMPs during the course of cauterization-induced corneal neovascularization in a rat model. METHODS: Neovascularization of rat corneas was induced by silver nitrate cauterization. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was examined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The protein activities of MMPs and TIMPs were compared in pre- and postcauterization corneas by gelatin zymography and reverse zymography, respectively. RESULTS: MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 immunoreactivities were expressed in normal corneas, predominantly in the corneal epithelium. After injury, immunoreactivities of both MMPs and TIMPs were increased, notably in the healing corneal epithelium, infiltrating inflammatory cells, stromal fibroblasts and ingrowing vascular endothelial cells. The increase in gross MMP-2 enzymatic activity paralleled the maximal vascular ingrowth on day 4, while the gross MMP-9 enzymatic activity rose immediately on day 1, then decreased steadily, which paralleled the magnitude of inflammatory cell infiltration. The immunoreactivity of MMPs/TIMPs decreased significantly 2 weeks after cauterization. On day 35, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 staining was seen only in corneal epithelium and vascular endothelial cells. Both the RT-PCR and reverse zymography results revealed a more constant expression of TIMP-2, while the TIMP-1 expression appeared to be more inducible. CONCLUSION: MMPs as well as TIMPs were upregulated in cauterization-induced corneal neovascularization, suggesting that both may participate in extracellular matrix remodeling in the corneal wound healing, inflammation and neovascularization processes.