Objective: to estimate the intensity of immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinases type 2 and type 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) during cytotrophoblast invasion (CTI) in the uteroplacental region. Materials and methods. There were 6 groups: 1) medical abortions at 7 to 8 weeks' gestation; 2) amputated uteri at 9 to 12 weeks; 3) late medical abortions at 18 to 24 weeks' gestation and amputated uteri at 25 weeks; 4) amputated uteri and biopsies of the placental bed, performed during cesarean section at 38-40 weeks. Two more groups included biopsies from women with preeclampsia: biopsy at 28-33 weeks (Group 5) and 34-38 weeks (Group 6). A total of 49 women were examined. An immunohistochemical method performed using the standard procedure revealed the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and cytokeratin in three invasive elements: interstitial cytotrophoblast (IC), multinucleated giant cells (MGCs), and intravascular cytotrophoblast (IVC). Results. The expression of MMP-2 is intensive in all the invasive cells in the first and second trimesters and then decreases in IC and MGCs. The immunoexpression of MMP-9 with its minimal values in the first trimester successively increases in IVC and IC by a full-term gestation. Conclusion. MMP-2 hyperproduction in IVC and IC is of the greatest value for the first wave of CTI and high MMP-9 immunoexpression in all the invasive cells is more important for the second wave. In cases of preeclampsia, the least expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 is recorded in IC and MGCs in the complete absence of IVC.