Abstract: Objective 　To investigate the function of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 ( TIMP-2) in human brain limbic system glioma invasion. Methods 　The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in low-grade and high-grade glioma and meningioma was studied via the immunohistochemical stain. Results 　① In high malignant glioma, the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly higher than those in low malignant glioma ( P < 0. 05 and P < 0. 01 respectively) . In low malignant glioma, the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly higher than those in meningioma ( P < 0. 05 and P < 0. 01 respectively) . There were significant differences of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels among in high-grade, low-grade glioma and meningioma. ② TIMP-2 expression level was especially low in gliomas of grade Ⅲand grade Ⅳ,but significantly higher in gliomas of grade Ⅰand grade Ⅱ,particularly in meningiomas. ③ There was a positive correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels ( r = 0. 86, P < 0. 01) ; negative correlation between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels, negative correlation between MMP-9 and TIMP-2 levels ( r = 0. 58, P < 0. 01) in 35 gliomas. Conclusion 　These result s suggest that : ① the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human brain glioma are related to malignant progression of gliomas ; their expression levels may become an assessable factor for malignancy and invasion of glioma and prognosis of patient ; ②a balance between MMP-s and TIMP-s has an important role to play in human brain gliomas, their unbalance may be a main factor in enhancing glioma invasion. TIMP expression may be valuable markers for tumor malignancy.