Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective The aim of the study was to determine the function of matrix metalloproteinase-2,-9（MMP-2,-9）and matrix metalloproteinase-8（MMP-8）in carious development,comparison observations on MMP-2,-9 and -8 were made between healthy and carious teeth and to evaluate the function of MMP-2,-9 and -8 in carious development. Methods The expression of MMP-2,-9 and-8 were analyzed by enzymography, immunohistochemistry and the Western blot . Results MMPs were expressed in odontoblast of healthy and carious teeth, correlated with increased ? expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-8. Conclusion The odontoblast is one of the source of MMP-2,-9 and-8. MMPs might play important roles in the progression of dental caries. 【Key words】 Matrix metalloproteinase; Odontoblast; Dental caries

Key words: Matrix-metalloproteinase, Odontoblast, Dental-caries