Type IV collagenases have been shown to play an important role in tumor metastasis and wound healing. In the present study, we have demonstrated the presence of 72-kDa and 92-kDa forms of type IV collagenase in human skin by biochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. In situ hybridization allowed us to localize the 72-kDa form mostly to fibroblasts and the 92-kDa form to the epidermis and endothelial cells. The presence of type IV collagenase was confirmed by Western blotting. Enzyme activity was assayed in spontaneous blisters (18 subjects) and suction-induced blisters (29 subjects) by the zymography method, and by using type IV collagen as the substrate. Thus, it was possible to detect both the 92-kDa and 72-kDa forms in spontaneous and induced blisters. An especially high level of the 92-kDa enzyme was found in a bullous pemphigoid patient. Type IV collagenases were studied during re-epithelialization of the blister, using the suction-blister model. There was a marked induction of the 92-kDa type that was confirmed to be in the regenerating, migratory, epithelium by in situ hybridization studies. These results indicate that 92-kDa type IV collagenase may play an essential role in the normal physiology and integrity of the skin and may be an important regulator of re-epithelialization. It was also shown that potent topical glucocorticoid down-regulated the 92-kDa type collagenase, suggesting that glucocorticoids may have a beneficial role in some skin diseases by decreasing type IV collagenase activity and, thus, reducing tissue destruction.