thus, resembles scar tissue. TGF-β1, MMP and TIMP play an essential role in remodeling extracellular matrix during scar formation. This study investigates the pathogenesis of IF with respect to the coordinated expression of factors involved in wound healing. Proliferative activity and expression of TGF-β1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were observed using immunohistochemistry in 88 cases of IF and 9 cases of normal oral mucosa(NOM). Proliferative activity and expression of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 were increased in IF compared to NOM. MMP-1 expression was not significantly increased in IF. We propose that IF is caused by increased expression of TGF-β1 and an imbalance in expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1.