AimTo investigate the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator(uPA) in aortic atherosclerotic plaques of apolipoprotein E knockout(ApoE-/-) mice and to explore the relationship between the two.MethodsApoE-/- mice were randomized into ordinary diet fed group and high-fat diet fed group，raising for 18 weeks.At 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 18 weeks mice were sacrificed and observed by HE staining of atherosclerotic plaque morphology.EMMPRIN and uPA expression in aortic atherosclerotic plaques were detected by semi-quantity RT-PCR and Western blot.RusultsAtherosclerosis model was successfully established; EMMPRIN and uPA in aorta atherosclerotic plaques were highly expressed, with statistically significant difference from normal diet group (p<0.05).Expression of EMMPRIN and uPA increased with feeding time extended.ConclusionExpression of EMMPRIN and uPA in ApoE-/- mice aortic atherosclerosis increased with plaque lesions degree of severity, both of EMMPRIN and uPA may play a role in the atherosclerotic plaques development.