Aim To observe the effect of resveratrol on the change of myocardial interstitial collagen,the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in atherosclerotic rabbits. Methods Thirty-three New Zeland white rabbits were randomly divided into normal control group,model group and resveratrol intervention group. The change of myocardial interstitial collagen and the collagen volume fraction were measured. The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Compared with control group,the collagen of model group increased,thickened and arranged irregularly in the myocardial interstitial. The collagen volume fraction and the expressions of MMP-2 increased,the expression of TIMP-2 reduced (P<0.01). Resveratrol intervention can significantly reduce these changes above. Conclusion There was a phenomenon that myocardial fibrosis,MMP-2 expression increased,TIMP-2 expression reduced in the progress of atherosclerosis,resveratrol can regulate the imbalance of MMP-2/ TIMP-2 expression and improve myocardial fibrosis.