Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of all-transretinoic acid（ATRA） on expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in injured carotid artery of rabbitsMethods Thirty-six rabbits were randomly allocated into normal control group,model group and ATRA treatment group.Proliferation of tunica intima,lumen stricture and deposition of extracellular matrix in injured carotid artery of rabbits were analyzed.Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in lung tissues was detected by Western blotResults Treatment of ATRA could inhibit the expression of MMP-2 and increase the expression of TIMP-2 after injury of carotid artery tunica intima in rabbits.The proliferation of carotid artery tunica intima was milder and the deposition of extracellular matrix in tunica intima of newly formed blood vessels was significantly less in ATRA treatment group than in model group（P＜0.05）Conclusion ATRA can promote the expression of TIMP-2,inhibit the deposition of extracellular matrix,over proliferation of tunica intima,and migration of smooth muscle cells after early injury of carotid artery tunica intima in rabbits.