Objective To observe the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), its tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and contents of nitric oxide (NO) in the ocular tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with endotoxin induced uveitis（EIU）. Methods Ninety SD rats were randomly divided into experimental (81 rats) and control group (9 rats). The model of EIU was induced in rats in experimental group by injecting with lipoplysaccharide (LPS) 200 μl into the hind feet pads, while the rats in the control group were not injected. Nine rats were executed 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72, 96 hours and 7 days, respectively, after injecting with LPS; the NO content and concentration of protein in the aqueous humor in blood plasma, aqueous humor, and uveal tissues were detected. The expressions of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and iNOS in the ocular tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the average absorbance (A) value was evaluated by computer medical image analysis system. Results iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressed in the epithelial cells of iris and ciliary body and exudated inflammatory cells of rats. The concentration of protein in the aqueous humor, the contents of NO in blood plasma, aqueous humor, and uveal tissues, and A value of MMP-9 had obvious relativity with the inflammatory extent, while no positive correlation was found between the inflammatory extent and the A value of iNOS and TIMP-1. Expression of iNOS was found 6 hours after injection, reached the peak after 12 hours, and then dropped gradually. The expression of TIMP-1 could be seen 24 hours after injection, and reached its peak after 72 hours. Conclusion The content of NO and expressions of iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 changes from the beginning and during the development of EIU, which suggests that NO, iNOS, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are involved in the pathologic process of EIU. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005, 21: 371-374)