Objective: To summarise which metalloproteinases and specific inhibitors have been already described, their regulatory mechanisms, the connection with implantation and in cases of tumour invasion. In conclusion we would like to point to the possibilities of practical use of this information. Design: A literature review. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Palacký University, Olomouc. Abstracts: Metalloproteinases are important for many biological processes including for instance cell proliferation, differentiation and remodelation of extracellular matrix (ECM) or vascularisation and cell migration. These events are in progress during organogenesis both in the normal development and in tumour progression. Mechanisms of activity of metalloproteinases during these processes include proteolysis of growth factors which in this way become available to cells. The motion of cells through tissues and fission of signal receptors made possible by degradation of theECMis vital for cell migration. The majority of these processes requires a balanced equilibrium between the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their natural tissue inhibitors (TIMP). It is precisely this equilibrium between metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors that is decisive for the site and extent trophoblast invasion during embryo implantation and as well as for the cell invasion during tumour progression. In our literary review we would like to shortly summarize which metalloproteinases and specific inhibitors have been already described and what are their regulatory mechanisms. Which of them were detected in tissues in connection with implantation and which are most often expressed in cases of tumour invasion. In conclusion we would like to point to the possibilities of practical use of this information.

        Key words: matrix metalloproteinases, embryo implantation, tumour invasion