A, representative gelatin-dependent zymography in control, rtPA, and E2 + rtPA group. Positive medium (C1) containing MMP2 was used as positive control. B, densitometric analysis of MMP2 activity in control, rtPA, and E2 + rtPA group. rtPA significant increased MMP2 activity in the ischemic hemisphere, which was attenuated by E2 treatment. ∗, p < 0.05.