Objective To investigate the degradation of artificial basement membrane（matrigel） co- cultured with oral carcinoma- associated fibroblasts （CAFs） and its possible mechanism. Methods CAFs and normal fibroblasts （NFs）were incubated on matrigel for 24, 48, 72 h. Equivalent amounts of conditioned medium were collected and assayed for total protein, hydroxyproline and matrix metalloproteinase- 2（MMP- 2）, matrix metalloproteinase- 9（MMP- 9）activity by gelatin zymography. Results Oral CAFs were superior to oral NFs in total protein and hydroxyproline density, CAFs present more pro -MMP - 2 and activated MMP - 2. Conclusion CAFs were superior to NFs in degradation of matrigel. CAFs might play a key role in the reconstitution of extracellular matrix and the progression of tumor.
