Aim To study the effect of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the production of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein and activity in human umbilical veins endotheh'al cell line (ECV304). Methods MMP-2 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). MMP-2 activity was detected by zymography. Results MMP-2 could be constitutionally secreted by ECV304 cells. Upon VEGF stimulation , a significant upregulation of MMP-2 protein expression was observed at concentration of 50μg/L ( P< 0.05), further elevation at 100μg/L according to ELISA assay. The activity of MMP-2 for gelatin degradation by zymography confirmed the ELBA result. Conclusion VEGF can induce MMP-2 production in ECV304 cells, the responses probably contribute to the angio-genic and vascular permeable potential of the peptide.