Measurement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) by the techniques of zymography and reverse zymography provide useful information regarding the status of matrix accumulation or breakdown. This report describes the use of 2-methoxy-2,4-diphenyl-3(2H)-furanone (MDPF), a fluorescent compound which can be used to label gelatin as a substrate for detection of the gelatin degrading MMP-2 and -9 by zymography. In addition, a modification of the zymographic technique by addition of excess MMPs enables the use of the MDPF-labeled gelatin substrate for the identification and quantification of TIMPs by reverse zymography. Both systems are real-time sensitive reliable quantification techniques, easily used for measurement of these MMPs and TIMPs in clinical, biological, and tissue culture samples.