In tooth development matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are under the control of several regulatory mechanisms including the upregulation of expression by inducers and downregulation by inhibitors. The aim of the present study was to monitor the occurrence and distribution pattern of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), the metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MT1-MMP and caveolin-1 during the cap and bell stage of rat molar tooth germs by means of immunocytochemistry. Strong EMMPRIN immunoreactivity was detected on the cell membranes of ameloblasts and cells of the stratum intermedium in the bell stage of the enamel organ. Differentiating odontoblasts exhibited intense EMMPRIN immunoreactivity, especially at their distal ends. Caveolin-1 immunoreactivity was evident in cells of the internal enamel epithelium and in ameloblasts. Double immunofluorescence studies revealed a focal co-localization between caveolin-1 and EMMPRIN in ameloblastic cells. Finally, western blotting experiments demonstrated the expression of EMMPRIN and caveolin-1 in dental epithelial cells (HAT-7 cells). A substantial part of EMMPRIN was detected in the detergent-insoluble caveolin-1-containing low-density raft membrane fraction of HAT-7 cells suggesting a partial localization within lipid rafts. The differentiation-dependent co-expression of MMPs with EMMPRIN in the enamel organ and in odontoblasts indicates that EMMPRIN takes part in the induction of proteolytic enzymes in the rat tooth germ. The localization of EMMPRIN in membrane rafts provides a basis for further investigations on the role of caveolin-1 in EMMPRIN-mediated signal transduction cascades in ameloblasts.