Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9: A possible marker for cold-induced stroke risk in hypertensive rats.

•The cold weather is associated with an increased occurrence of acute stroke events.•The mechanisms of cold-induced stroke events have not yet been fully elucidated.•Increased plasma MMP-9 and decreased TIMP-1 levels in hypertensive rats.•Plasma MMP-9 levels are correlated with cold-induced stroke in hypertensive rats.•Plasma MMP-9 may be a promising predictor for the cold-induced stroke risk.