['To determine whether postoperative application of a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, GM6001 (ilomastat), reduces scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery.', 'In a randomized, prospective, masked-observer study, 40 New Zealand White rabbits underwent modified glaucoma filtration surgery. The animals were randomly allocated to receive postoperative subconjunctival injections of either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or 100 microM ilomastat for 10 days. The animals were killed on days 7, 14, 21, and 30. Clinical characteristics, which included bleb morphology and intraocular pressure, were recorded. Tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained for alpha smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) and extracellular matrix components in the two groups.', 'Surgical outcome was significantly prolonged in the ilomastat-treated group compared with the vehicle-treated group (P < 0.001). At day 30, all the blebs had survived except two in the ilomastat-treated group, whereas no blebs survived to day 30 with vehicle treatment (n = 11). The intraocular pressure remained significantly lower throughout the course of the experiment in the ilomastat group compared with the vehicle group (P < 0.0017). Histologically, less scar tissue was observed at the sclerostomy site with inhibition of MMP, compared with vehicle treatment.'] Does matrix metalloproteinase inhibition modulate postoperative scarring after experimental glaucoma filtration surgery?