Expression of VEGF-C,VEGF-D and VEGFR-3in pancreatic carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor C(VEGF-C), vascular endothelial growth factor D(VEGF-D) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3(VEGFR-3) in pancreatic carcinoma at different conditions, and provide basis for studying the mechanism of tumor lymphagiogenesis and metastasis. Methods: A total of 48 samples were obtained from 33 cases of pancreatic carcinoma and 15 cases of normal pancreatic tissues. The expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 were analyzed by SP immunohistochemistry. Results: The positive expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 in pancreatic carcinoma was obviously higher than that in normal pancreatic tissues. The difference existed between the VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 (P0.01) in pancreatic carcinoma. However, there was no difference between VEGF-C and VEGFR-3, as well between VEGF-C and VEGF-D, despite of age, sex and distant metastases of carcinoma. Conclusions:VEGF-C and VEGF-D express highly in pancreatic carcinoma tissue, which may cause lymphangiogenesis and the metastasis via lymphatics in tumor by combining with its receptor VEGFR-3.