Objective:To explore the relationship between the expression of VEGF-C and microvessel density(MVD) and lymphatic microvessel density(LVD)

and their role in the metastasis of gastric carcinoma.Methods:The expressions of VEGF-C mRNA in 62 gastric carcinoma tissue specimens and 10 normal gastric tissues were determined by RT-PCR.Immunohistochemistry(SP) was used to detect the expression of CD105 and VEGFR-3 in the tissues.MVD and LVD were counted.Results:The positive expression rate of VEGF-C in positive lymph node was significantly higher than that in negative lymph node(88% vs 21%

P<0.05);Compared with that without lymph node metastasis

LVD in positive lymph node increased significantly(6.15±1.61 vs 3.93±1.76

P<0.05)

but MVD did not increased significantly.LVD in positive VEGF-C was significantly higher than that in negative VEGF-C(6.03±1.73 vs 4.05±1.71

P<0.05)

but MVD was not significantly different.Conclusions:VEGF-C can promote the invasion of gastric carcinoma and lymphatic proliferation

mediate tumor cells to the lymphatic vessel and further the whole body.It is an important factor influencing the prognosis of gastric carcinoma and threatening patients lives.