AIM: To determine the dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs inhibitors (TIMPs) during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol.METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, 4 d, 2 wk, 4 wk, 9 wkand 11 wk groups, and the model rats were fed with a mixture of alcohol by gastric infusion at the designed time, respectively, then decollated and their livers were harvested for the examination of MMP2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 by immunohistochemistry, zymograghy and Westem blotting, respectively.RESULTS: Normal rats had moderate expression of MMP-2,which was decreased in the model rats except in the 11 wk group, where MMP-2 expression slightly increased. MMP-3had the similar changing patt to MMP-2 despite weaker expression. MMP-9 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, rose in the 4 wk group, decreased again in the 9 wk group and reted to normal levels in the 11 wk group.MMP-13 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups,and reted to normal levels in the 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups. TIMP-1 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, but sharply increased in the 4 wk group and sustained at a high level even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk. In normal rats TIMP-2 expression was strong. However, it decreased as soon as modeling began, and then gradually rose, but remained to a level lower than that in normal rats even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk.CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may not always expresses at a high level during hepatic fibrosis. MMP-13 and MMP-3 are acutely affected by TIMP-1. In this model TIMP-1 is the most powerful factor imposed on capillarization and peri-sinusoidal fibrosis. TIMP-2 is the most effective regulator on the metabolism of type IV collagen located in the basement of sinus.