Objective; To detect the expressions of VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase -2(MMP-2) in invasive pituitary adenomas and noninvasive pituitary adenomas

and to evaluate the relationship between the expression of VEGF and pituitary adenomas

methods; The expressions of VEGF..MMP-2 and MMP -2 were examined by immunohistochemical method

and the expressions of VEGF and MMP -2 mRNA were also examined by RT - PCR assay. The correlation between VEGF and MMP -2

and the correlation between expression of VEGF

MMP -2 and invasiveness of pituitary adenomas were studied. Results; The intense expression and total expression rate of VEGF of pituitary adenomas patients with invasion (56. 3%

100% respectively) were significantly higher than those without (17.4%

56.5%respectively

P<0.05)

and the intense expression and total expression rate in MMP-2 in pituitary adenomas patients with invasion(65.6%

93. 8% respectively) were also significantly higher than those without (13.0%

43.5% respectively

P < 0.01). Both mRNA expressions of VEGF and MMP - 2 were also observed significantly higher in invasive pituitary adenomas (0.768 ± 0.050

1.126±0.081 respectively) than those without invasion (0.209 ±0.032

0.425 ±0.083 respectively

P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between VEGF and MMP -2 mRNA expressions in invasive pituitary adenomas( r =0. 463

P <0. 01)

and there was no correlation between them in noninvasive pituitary adenomas. Conclusions; VEGF and MMP -2 might be associated with the aggressiveness and invasion in pituitary adenomas

and they might have close relationship in the invasiveness and angiogenesis of pituitary adenomas.