Objective To discusse the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human glioma and glioma's invasiveness and to elucidate invasive mechanism.Methods The protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was detected through immunohistochemistry,and MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA were detected through in situ hybridization in glioma and glioma's invasive tissue.Results The positive expression of MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA in glioma was 5.26±1.47,9.51±0.96,14.58±1.42,20.56±1.56 and 7.90±0.50,14.46±0.75,23.54±1.32,28.07±0.81,respectively.The expression of MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA inⅠ~Ⅱgrade and Ⅲ~Ⅳgrade was 5.70±0.95,8.20±0.43 and 2.30±0.14,10.32±0.65,respecttively.Conclusions There is positive correlation with the malignant degree of glioma and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.The glioma with high malignancy,comparing with low malignancy,shows stronger invasiveness.The more the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in glioma is,the stronger the invasive capacity is.The glioma's invasive tissue is the recurring source of glioma in clinical treatment,even after resecting glioma.