Enhanced synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components is a characteristic feature during regeneration from acute cerulein-induced pancreatitis in rats. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) has been suggested to be an important modulator of the ECM by interfering with a number of essential processes such as the synthesis of ECM components. To study the involvement of the ECM degrading proteases (matrix metalloproteinases; MMPs) and their specific inhibitors in the process of pancreatic regeneration, we examined the expression of these genes on the transcript level and the activation of the corresponding enzymes by use of zymographies. Pancreatic RNA and protein were extracted from rats sacrificed 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days after induction of cerulein pancreatitis. To investigate the influence of TGF beta on gene expression of ECM proteases and their specific inhibitors, we blocked the activity of TGF beta 1 during regeneration from acute pancreatitis by use of neutralizing antibodies against TGF beta 1. Steady levels of 72-kD type IV collagenase (MMP-2), stromelysin (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) mRNA were significantly increased 2 days after induction of pancreatitis. MMP-9 and MMP-3 enzyme activity was elevated 12 h after induction of pancreatitis, whereas MMP-2 activity increased 12 h later. Inhibition of TGF beta 1 by neutralizing antibodies only reduced the amount of stromelysin transcripts throughout pancreatic regeneration. In summary, ECM degrading proteases, in particular stromelysin, appear to be involved in ECM remodeling during pancreatic regeneration. TGF beta 1 may be responsible for regulation of stromelysin transcription.