Objective     To investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and in normal tissues around the esophageal cancer and determine whether there exists a relationship between MIF expression and clinicopathologic features.      Methods     The expression levels of MMIF in 80 ESCC specimens and 80 normal tissues around esophageal cancer by immunohistochemical staining.      Results     MIF was overexpressed in ESCC specimens and closely correlated with tumor differentiation and TNM staging. In normal esophageal tissues we found a small amount increment of MIF in the malpighian layer of mucous membrane.      Conclusion     MIF participates in the accommodation of cell growth cycle

plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ESCC and correlates with TNM staging.