Although mRNA expression of MMP2 (Fig. 6a) and MMP9 (Fig. 6b) was substantially increased in the necrotic tissue from both reperfused MI groups, MMP14 (Fig. 6c) and MMP16 (Fig. 6d) levels were only significantly augmented in the 1-month reperfusion group. This evidence concerns the gene MMP2 and myocardial infarction.