Aim To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in rats following intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH). Methods ICH model was produced by stereotactically infusing 75 μL autologous fresh blood taken from rat femoral artery into the left caudate nucleus. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was detected by zymogram analysis over a time course ranging from 6 hours to 15 days. Results The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the hemorrhage site increased progressively over time after ICH. After 6 hours, significant (p<0.05) MMP-9 activity reached maximum levels by 24 hours (p<0.01), then persisted for 3 days at this level and returned based level (zero) by 15 days. MMP-2 was significantly (p<0.05) increased by 24 hours and was maximum after 5 days following ICH. Conclusions These results demonstrated that early increased MMP-9 expression was a significant responses to ICH; MMP-2 may contribute to brain tissue repairing.