Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the expressions of VEGF-C,Fms-like Tyrosine kinase-4(Flt-4),Survivin and the relationships with lymphangiogenesis and metastases of lymph nodes in colorectal carcinoma tissues.

Methods

The expressions of VEGF-C,Flt-4 and Survivin were determined by immunohistochemistry (SP)and lymphatic vessles were stained by enzyme histochemical method in 86 cases of colorectal carcinomas.

Results

There was a significant correlation between the expressions of VEGF-C and Flt-4 in colorectal carcinoma (r=0.981).The numbers of lymphatic vessels in VEGF-C positive cases were significantly larger than that in VEGF-C negative cases (27.20±6.36 vs 19.19±6.74) (P<0.01).Similarly,the numbers of lymphatic vessels in Flt-4 positive tumors were larger than that in Flt-4 negative tumor(27.38±7.52vs 20.17±7.14)(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the numbers of lymphatic vessels in Survivin positive and negative tumors (22.15±6.92vs 21.67±6.43).The expressions of VEGF-C,Flt-4 and Survivin were related to the metastases of lymphnodes.

Conclusion

Survivin may affect the activities of VEGF-C.VEGF-C may activate Flt-4 in mesenchyme and stimulate the proliferations of lymphatic vessels, which may provide necessary conditions for the metastasis of lymph nodes in colorectal carcinomas.

Key words: Colorectum neoplasms/pathology, Receptors, Vascularendothelialgrowth factor/metabolism, Lymphatic metastasis, Immunohistochemistry