Objective To investigate the expression and localization of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) in adult boar testis under normal temperature and heat stress conditions. Methods Nine adult boars (Landrace) were randomly divided into three groups. The self-made thermo-controlled 42 ℃ blanket was used in local scrotal heating group (42 ℃ for 1 hour) (n=3). The boars of environmental heat stress group (n=3) were kept in a thermally-controlled hot house (37-40 ℃, 7 days, 3 hours per day). After the daily heat treatment, the boars were back to the normal temperature. Three boars were assigned as control (n=3) and kept in normal temperature house (21-25 ℃). After 6 hours (local scrotal heating group) and 24 hours (environmental heat stress group) of heat treatment, the boar testes were surgically harvested. The expression of GLUT1 and GLUT2 were detected in boar testes by using Real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results The results of Real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that the GLUT1 protein and mRNA expression levels in the environmental heat stress group did not have significantly differences compared with control group. The GLUT1 protein and mRNA expression levels in the local scrotal heating group significantly increased compared with control group. In environmental heat stress group and local scrotal heating group, the expression levels of GLUT2 protein and mRNA significantly increased compared with control group. Immunohistochemical results showed that GLUT1 protein in seminiferous tubules was expressed in spermatocyte and round spermatid before and after heat treatment. In environmental heat stress group, the immunostaining of GLUT1 protein did not have significantly differences compared with control group. After local scrotal heating, the immunostaining of GLUT1 protein was deeper than control group, and the expression level of GLUT1 protein was increased. Before and after heat treatment, the GLUT2 protein in seminiferous tubules was expressed in germ cells and sertoli cells. The environmental heat stress and the local scrotal heating resulted in increase of GLUT2 expression and deeper immunostaining. Conclusion Glucose transporter GLUT1 and GLUT2 are expressed in the seminiferous tubules of boar testes. Environmental heat stress and local scrotal heating result in changes of GLUT1 and GLUT2 expression levels in the boar testis. The result suggests that GLUT1 and GLUT2 play important roles in boar spermatogenesis.

Objective To investigate the effect of resveratrol on Shh signaling pathway of NIH3T3 cells in vitro. Methods NIH3T3 cells were divided into the control and resveratrol groups. The cells were cultured with resveratrol for 24 hours. Cell viability was detected with CCK-8 assay．Immunofluorescence measured the expressions of Ac-tu, Smo, and Gli-1. Western blotting assayed the expressions of Shh, Ptc-1, Smo and Gli-1 proteins. Results Compared with the control group（0.585±0.039）, 0.5（0.679±0.047, P＜0.05 and 1.0 μmol/L（0.774±0.054, P＜0.05 resveratrol significantly enhanced the viability of NIH3T3 cells, and the peak was 1.0 μmol/L. On the contrary, 10, 20, 40, 80 μmol/L resveratrol significantly decreased the viability of NIH3T3 cells（0.428±0.043, 0.395±0.031, 0.373±0.017, 0.361±0.016, respectively). However, 0.1（0.602±0.065）and 5 μmol/L（0.556±0.041）resveratrol did not affect the viability（P>0.05）. NIH3T3 cells had one primary cilia and expressed the proteins of Ac-Tu, Shh, Ptc-1, Smo and Gli-1.Smo and Gli-1 proteins were located in the cytoplasm. At 24 hours for resveratrol treat, Gli-1 protein translocated into the nucleus from cytoplasm and Smo protein entered the primary cilia from the cytoplasm. Expressions of Shh（0.756±0.659 vs 0.441±0.769，P＜0.05,Ptc-1（0.655±0.347 vs 0.351±0.026，P＜0.05,Smo（0.779±0.064 vs 0.451±0.035，P＜0.05 and Gli-1（0.856±0.044 vs 0.560±0.058，P＜0.05 proteins significantly compared with the control group. Conclusion Resveratrol can enhance viability of NIH3T3 cells via activating Shh signaling pathway.

Objective To observe the inhibition effect of sorafenib on adjuvant arthritis in rats. Methods A total of 36 male SPF SD rats were divided into 6 groups and 0.1ml of the complete Freund’s adjuvant was subcutaneously injected into the left hind paw except the normal group. The volume of rat hind paw was measured. The CD4⁺ and CD8⁺T cell subsets of the peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. The microvessel density of synovial tissues was determined by immunohistochemical chain mildew avidin peroxidase enzymatic (SP) method. Results Compared with model group, the rats of sorafenib groups alleviated the volume of rat hind paw and reduced microvessel density. Sorafenib (20, 40mg/kg) groups decreased the percentage of CD4⁺T cell and increased the percentage of CD8⁺T cell at the same time. All the values were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion Sorafenib can ameliorate adjuvant arthritis in rats, which effect may be related to sorafenib causing CD4+ and CD8+T cell subset of peripheral blood deviation and reducing microvessel density of synovial tissues.

Objective To analyze the risk factors of vertigo in young and middle-aged patients with cervical curvature changes. Methods From June 2016 to March 2017, 78 young patients (32 males and 46 females) with vertigo were collected in the department of neurology of the third affiliated hospital of Xinxiang. The patients were divided into normal cervical curvature group (n=22) and abnormal cervical curvature group(n=56).The medical history and laboratory examination were compared between the two groups and were statistically analyzed. Results There were significant differences in fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homocysteine (Hcy), smoking, diabetes, homocy steinemia and occupation between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in gender and age between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion FBG, HbA1c, Hcy, smoking, diabetes and occupation are the common risk factors in young and middle-aged patients of vertigo with cervical curvature changes.

Objective To approach the changes of advanced glycosylated endproducts (AGEs), transforming growth factor(TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factors(CTGF) in the lungs of experimental diabetic rats and their relationship. Methods Totally 48 male SD rats were divided into the diabetes mellitus（DM） group and the control group，with 24 rats in each group.The DM rat model was made by the injection of streptozocin (60mg/kg) into the caudal vein. The rats were killed and the lungs were taken at the end of the 4 th, 12 th and 20th weeks respectively after the models were established. The changes of AGEs,CTGF,TGF-β1 in rat lungs were observed with immunohistochemical assay and the image was analyzed. Results A great quantity of AGEs positive cells were observed in the alveolar epithelial cells, bronchial mucosal epithelium, angio-endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of the DM rats. The average gray(AG) was lower than that of the controls（EM>P/EM><0.05） and decreased with the DM course（EM>P/EM><0.01）. In the 4_week DM rats, there were a few CTGF and TGF-β1 positive cells in the bronchial mucosal epithelium, angio-endotheliial cells and lung interstitial cells. In the 12_and 20_week DM rats, there were a great many CTGF and TGF-β1 positive cells. The AG was lower than that of the controls（EM>P/EM

Objective To investigate the effects of transplantation of frozenthawed ovarian tissues on the maturation, fertilization and further developmental potency of oocytes retrieved from grafts. Methods Twenty five New Zealand white female rabbits were divided into three groups randomly, group 1(EM>n/EM>=5), control group; group 2 (EM>n/EM>=10), fresh ovarian tissues were autologously transplanted into the mesometrium; and group 3(EM>n/EM>=10), frozenthawed ovarian tissues were autologously transplanted into the mesometrium. Three months after the transplantation, rabbits were stimulated with folliclestimulating hormone and oocytes were retrieved from antral follicles 13 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin injection. In vitro maturation (IVM) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were performed to evaluate the fertility potency of the oocytes from frozen ovarian grafts. Results The number of retrieved oocytes in group 2 and 3 were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05); But no significant differences were observed between group 2 and group 3 (EM>P/EM>>0.05); There were no significant differences both in the percentage of immature oocytes and the maturation rate after IVM, among the 3 groups (EM>P/EM>>0.05); Also, among the 3 groups or in each group, the fertilization rate, cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate showed no difference, no matter the oocytes matured EM>in vivo/EM> or EM>in vitro/EM> (EM>P/EM>>0.05); The blastocyst formation rate derived from oocytes that matured in vitro was significantly lower than oocytes that matured EM>in vivo/EM> (EM>P/EM><0.05). Conclusion

Objective To evaluate the CT features of the coronary artery in normal adults and to measure the diameter of coronary artery using 16-slice computed tomography. Methods 16-slice CT coronary angiography was performed in this study. Totally 104 cases whose coronary arteries were normal were divided into 3 groups according to age and dominant pattern of coronary artery. The diameter of right artery (RCA), including the proximal, middle and distant segments were measured by using CT, so was the diameter of left main artery (LM), left anterior descending artery (LAD) including the proximal, middle and distant segments, and left circumflex artery proximal and distant segments. Results The diameters of coronary arteries increased with the age. There was a difference of LM diameter between the elder group and the youth group and middle group. However there was no difference in the youth group and the elder group. No difference were detected from other coronary artery segment’s diameter. The diameter of LM in left dominant pattern was the largest, and it showed a difference when compared with the other two groups, bt there was no difference between the latter two groups. The diameters of LAD and LCX in left dominant pattern were the largest, and that of in right dominant pattern were the smallest. The diameter of LAD had no difference among the three groups. The diameter of LCX proximal segment had no difference between the balanced dominant pattern and right dominant pattern, but there was a difference compare to the left dominant pattern. The diameters of LCX distant segment showed differences between any two groups. The diameter of RCA in the right dominant pattern was the largest. The diameters of RCA proximal segments showed no difference between the balanced dominant pattern and left dominant pattern, and there was difference among any other groups.Conclusion MSCT can display coronary artery from any angle and position. The diameter of coronary artery segment increases with the increase of age. Coronary artery size measured by MSCT can provide valuable information for coronary disease.

Objective To study the distribution of CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) in normal renal cell lines and its interaction with nephrin and F-actin in podocytes. Methods The human mesangial cells (HMC) and HK-2 were cultured in DMEM. Conditionally immortalized murine podocyte cell line was cultured in RPMI 1640 The expressions of CD2AP and nephrin in podocytes were examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The distribution of CD2AP in HMC, HK-2, differentiated and undifferentiated podocytes was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The coexistence of CD2AP with nephrin and F-actin in undifferentiated podocytes were also detected. Results CD2AP was distributed within the cytoplasm and perinulcear region of HK-2 and undifferentiated podocytes, but was absent in HMC cells. Its distribution profile changed and presented as peripheral accumulation when podocytes were put into differentiationpermissive conditions. CD2AP was located together with nephrin and F-actin in podocytes. Conclusion CD2AP can be detected in epithelial-originated renal cells. The alteration of distribution profile of CD2AP indicates it may participate in the process of podocytes differentiation and be involved in the regulation of slit diaphragm and cytoskeleton.

Objective To further explore the mechanism by which bone morphogenetic protein 4（BMP-4）might be involved in hematopoietic differentiation of the yolk sac. We observed the expression of BMP-4,CD34, CD133 and tyrosine kinase receptors（KDR） in the blood island of the yolk sac at embryonic 3 to 8 weeks. Methods Gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and the presence of BMP-4, CD34, CD133 and KDR proteins was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in 57 human embryos. Results In the human yolk sac, we found that BMP-4 was expressed at high levels from the 16th day to the 7th week, and decreased quickly after week 7 The results showed that KDR, CD133 and CD34 largely appeared on the 21st and 30th day, then increased at the 6th week, and decreased quickly after week 7. Furthermore, Ihh，SCl, GATA-1, GATA-2 and PU.1 mRNAs showed that PU.1 was not expressed on the 16th day; however, other factors were expressed all the time. Conclusion The distribution of BMP-4,KDR,CD34,CD133 and transcription factors expression highly suggested that BMP-4 was secreted from the yolk sac which might exert its effects on the specification of human hemangioblast and hematopoietic ste

Objective To investigate whether human placenta tissue (PT) CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells possess the high proliferative potential colony forming cells(HPP-CFC) and analyze its properties in order to verify that human PT contains primitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells(HSPC). Methods Single cell suspension liquid of human PT was prepared by mechanical method. After that the mononucler cells(MNC) from PT was separated by Histopaque-1007 agent. CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells contained in MNC were isolated and purified by magnetic activated cell sorting(MACS) method. After 28 days of HPP-CFC expansion culture of CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells, the frequency and morphology of HPP-CFC were counted and observed. Phenotypes of purified CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells and HPP-CFC were analyzed by flow cytometer(FCM). In parallel, human umbilical cord blood(UCB) samples underwent the same protocols for comparison. Results After 28 days of culture the expansion fold of PTSUP>-/SUP>CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells was 266, lower than that of UCB-CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells which was 362 (P<0.01). The number of HPP-CFC in CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells derived from human PT and UCB were (32.4±11.2)/5×10SUP>3/SUP> and (17.7±5.7)/5×10SUP>3/SUP> respectively, the number of the former obviously higher than that of the latter (P<0.01). FCM analysis results showed that, except for CD133SUP>+/SUP>CD34SUP>-/SUP> subset from UCB-CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells, the proportion of CD133SUP>+/SUP>CD34+, CD133SUP>-/SUP>CD34SUP>+/SUP> subsets both from PT- and UCB-CD133SUP>+ /SUP>cells and CD133SUP>+/SUP>CD34SUP>- /SUP>subset from PT-CD133SUP>+/SUP> cells were decreased through 4 weeks of culture BR>.Conclusion Human PT-CD133SUP>+ /SUP>cells can form HPP-

P>Objective To investigate the distribution patterns of 15 short tandem repeats (STR) loci (TPOX，TH01，CSF1PO，D19S433，vWA，D18S51，D5S818，FGA，D8S1179，D21S11，D7S820，D3S1358，D13S317，D16S539，D2S1338 ) in Miao ethnic group of Rongshui County in Guangxi Province. Methods The sodium citratedblood specimens were collected from 208 healthy unrelated Miao individuals (man: 102, female: 106) in Rongshui County in Guangxi Province, and then the DNAs from the samples were extracted by phynolchloroform technique. The DNAs were amplified by using AmpFlSTR IdentifilerTM PCR Amplification Kit, and finally the data were detected with 3100 Genetic Analyzer. Result Altogether 5.20 alleles and 11.62 genotypes of 15 STR were found in 208 healthy unrelated Miao individuals of Rongshui County in Guangxi Province. The allele frequency and genotype frequency were 0.004 8-0.466 3 and 0.004 8-0.317 3 respectively. Total discrimination power wa

Objective To investigate the biocompatibility of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) of mice EM>in vitro/EM> with silk fibroin materials and to explore a novel scaffold material to fabricate tissue-engineered nerve with introduction of BMSCs. Methods BMSCs were typically isolated from other cells by adherence to plastic. The mice-derived bone marrow stromal cells were cultured on the substrate of silk fibroin fibers and the cell attachment and growth during culture was observed by using light and electron microscopy. Mice-derived BMSCs were also cultured in the silk fibroin extract fluid. The cell ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. MTT test was used to detect cell viability in different media for 12, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days respectively (the test was repeated 12 times for each group). Flow cytometry was employed to detect BMSCs cell cycle and phenotypes (the test was repeated 3 times). Results BMSCs cells were tightly attached to the silk fibroin fibers and grew along the silk fibroin fibers; some of them enwrapped the silk fibroin fibers and they exhibited either a spherical or spindle shape. The results of transmission electron microscopy, MTT test and flow cytometry analysis showed that there was no significant difference between BMSCs cultured in the silk fibroin extract fluid and those in plain IMDM medium in their morphology, cell viability, proliferation and phenotypes.Conclusion These data indicate that silk fibroin has good biocompatibility with BMSCs and is also beneficial to the survival of BMSCs without exerting any significant cytotoxic effects on their phenotype; thus it’s a potential scaffold material to fabricate tissue-engineered nerve with introductio

Objective To detect the cytokines in the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) conditioned medium (neurobasal conditioned medium ,N-CM) that can regulate the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into high proportional neurons and explore the mechanism that BMSCs regulate the differentiation of NSCs.Methods The collected N-CM was divided into two parts(>5kD and <5kD)by means of ultrafiltration after misce bene. The two parts were used to culture NSCs separately, and the effective part that could regulate the differentiation of NSCs was detected by protein microarray analysis. Results The N-CM>5kD could promote the NSCs to differentiate into high proportional neurons, so this part was detected by protein microarray analysis, 7 cytokines CINC-3, CNTF, IFN-γ, IL-1α, MCP-1, TIMP-1and VEGF were detected to up-regulate 1.5 times compared with the neurobasal medium (molecular weight above 5kD). Conclusion The dissolvable molecules excreted by BMSCs could promote the NSCs to differentiate into neurons. Some cytokines with the molecular weight of above 5kD play a crucial role during this process.

Objective To construct five shRNA-expression plasmids and to investigate the expression of EM>Smad2/EM> in TGFβ/ Smads signal transduction treated with shRNA-expression plasmid. Methods Five shRNA-EM>Smad2/EM> DNA sequences from mRNA sequence of mouse EM>Smad2/EM> gene were designed and synthesized. DNA oligonucleotides encoding an appropriate shRNA were inserted to shRNA expression vector respectively. Five shRNAEM>Smad2/EM> expression plasmids were obtained and then transfected into NIH/3T3 cells. The suppressed expression of EM>Smad2/EM> was assessed by RT-PCR and Westernblotting. Results The shRNA-expression plasmid numbered 2.4 could markedly reduce the expression of EM>Smad2/EM>. The suppression effect of the RNAipool composed of four different plasmids was more obvious than that of any single. Conclusion The shRNAexpression plasmids were successfully constructed, which could specifically and effectively suppress the expression of EM>Smad2

Objective Neural stem cells have become a major concern in the current research of neuroscience, for they are involved in the neural injuries and recoveries, the origin of neural tumors, as well as other fields. The study on their ultrastructures, which is still limited at present, is indispensible. To offer more information is the aim of this paper. Methods Neural stem cells/progenitors from human fetal brain tissue were cultivated EM>in vitro/EM> and observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results Neural stem cells/progenitors presented to be neurospherelike after days of culture EM>in vitro/EM>. The neruospheres were made up of neural stem cells/progenitors and nonfixiform material inside, and cells in neruospheres could be divided into lucent and dark ones according to electron densities. Between adjacent cells as well as on the cytoplasmic sides of the apposed plasma membranes, there were vesiclelike structures. Cell membrane fusions were also observed between some adjacent cells. Single neural stem cell /progenitor was spherical with rough surface under SEM. Many kinds of organellas, e.g. Golgi’s complex and endocytoplasmic reticulum, were underdeveloped in neural stem cells/progenitors, which generally had big, nuclei and scanty cytoplasm. The numbers, types and maturities of cellular organs in different cells were not always identical, which showed their heterogeneities. For instance, both neurofilaments and microtubules could only be observed in a few neural stem cells/progenitors； lysosomes were very abundant in some, but even hardly founded in others. What’s more, autophagosomes at different stages and in differernt formations could be seen in most cells. The nuclei, frenquently containing huge amounts of euchromatin and a small quantity of heterochromatin, mostly were globular, sometimes reniform or lobulated; most neural stem cells/progenitors had only one chromatospherite, seldom two or more, and sometimes no obvious chromatospherite could be seen. Conclusion Developed autophagosomes, vesiclelike structures between adjacent cells as well as on the cytoplasmic sides of the apposed plasma membranes and cellular membrane fusions could be seen in the human embryooriginated neural stem cells/progenitors and

Objective To reveal the distribution and effects of peripheral nerve axolemma ion channels in experimental allergic neuritis (EAN). Methods The alteration of Na+ and K+ channels on peripheral nerves (PNs) in the course of EAN was observed and the relationship between the channels and nerve conduction properties was analyzed by assessing histology and electrophysiology of PNs as well as clinical severity. Results Na+ and K+ channels obviously decreased on day 9 post immunization (p.i.), a time point of disease onset, and quickly became undetectable in next two weeks. Undergoing a slow and incomplete regeneration, neither of the channels regained the normal appearance on day 85 p.i. even if the clinical symptom disappeared several weeks before. Na+ and K+ channels had a synchronous development during disease course and remained a close correlation with the alteration of paranodal myelin. Electrophysiological abnormality kept consistent with the disturbance of PNs just in the acute period of EAN (923d p.i.) and the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude partly reflected the distribution of axolemma ion channels. Conclusion Loss of axolemma ion channels of PNs might be one of the reasons directly leading to the early symptoms of EAN. As a structural component, the channels were liable to damage and difficult to restore. The clustering and maint

P>Objective To establish an immortalized rat astrocyte strain (IAST) expressing enkephalin regulated by doxycycline (Dox) and observe its analysesic effect on rat chronic neuropathic pain. Methods Retrovirus infection method was employed to develop an immortalized rat astrocyte strain expression enkephalin regulated by doxycycline. hPPE gene expression level of IAST/TetOn/hPPE strain was detected by Real time PCR and radioimmunoas say. Its analgesic potential was investigated by mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds after these cells were implanted into the subarachnoid space of chronic constrictive injury (CCI) rats. The expression of Fos protein in the dorsal horn of spinal cord was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results An immortalized rat astrocyte strain secreting enkephalin under the control of doxycycline was established successfully. After transplantation of IAST/TetOn/hPPE cell into the subarachnoid space of chronic constrictive injury (CCI) rats, the sensitivity of mechanical allodynia and the expression of Fos protein were significantly decreased (P<005), so the transplantation of IAST/Tet On/hPPE cell alleviated significantly CCIinduced chronic neuropathic pain in rats and the analgesic effect was also able to be regulated by Dox.Conclusion An immortalized rat astrocyte strain expressing enkephalin regulated by Dox has been established, which may provide a new tool for regulatable

Objective To explore the regulating mechanism of the astrocytes on the expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) subunit in epileptogenesis. Methods The astrocytic conditional medium (ACM) was collected after being stimulated by glutamate, and then ACM was added to the cultured hippocampal neurons. The expression changes of neuronal GluR2 and protein interacting with C-kinase-1 (PICK1) mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Results In the cultured hippocampal neurons, the GluR2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased at the 2nd, 8th, and 12th hours after the administration of ACM compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). However, the PICK1 mRNA expression was significantly increased at the same time points after the administration of ACM compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). The ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists D-AP5 and CNQX could not fully block the action of ACM. Conclusion In epileptogenesis, the activation of astrocytes can downregulate the expression of neuronal AMPARs GluR2 subunit by upregul

Objective To study the expression of growth-arrest-specific protein 7 (Gas7) in the hippocampus of rats after chronic multiple-stress. Methods thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the chronic multiple stressed group and the control group. Rats in the stressed group were administered with four kinds of stressors including vertical rotation，sleeping deprivation，restraint(6hours/day) and illumination irregularly and alternately for 6 weeks. Then the expression of Gas7 protein in the hippocampus of rats was assayed by immunocytochemical method and Western blotting technique respectively and apoptotic cells were observed. Results The expression of Gas7 was extensively found in the hippocampus of both the control group and the experimental group mainly in the endochylema and processes of the neurons in the CA1 area. Positive staining, average absorbance in the CA1 and dentate gyrus of the stressed rats were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no difference in the expressions in the CA3 areas in the two groups (P>0.05). Caspase-3 positive cells were also obserued in the stressed rats. Western blotting detection indicated that the expression of Gas7 in the stressed rats was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Gas7 may participate in protecting neurons in the stess and promote the neurogenesis an development of neurons.

Objective To study the human lymphangiogenesis in the early stage of embryo and the expression of forkhead box C2(FOXC2) in human lymphangiogenesis. Methods Lymphatic vessel endothelial haluronic acid receptor-1(LYVE-1) was used as the special marker of lymphatic vessels.Immunohistochemical and double immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expressions of FOXC2 and LYVE-1 in lymphatic vessels of 85 human embryos of 5 to 11 weeks pregnancy and analyze the features of lymphatic vessel genesis and development. Results LYVE-1 was initially detected in lymphatic vessels in 7-week human embryos. The lymphatic vessel endothelial cells presented brown staining for LYVE-1 in jugular and thoracic region. LYVE-1 was also found to express in human embryonic mesentery lymphatic vessels on the 70th day of pregnancy. The expression of FOXC2 in human embryo was detected prior to that of LYVE-1 At the beginning of the 6th week of pregnancy, FOXC2 was obviously seen in human embryonic mesoderm mesenchyme.FOXC2 expressed not only in human embryonic lymphatic vessels,but also in the vertebral body,cardiovascular wall and other tissues.The expressions of FOXC2 and LYVE-1 were still seen in human embryonic lymphatic vessel endothelial cells after 80 days of pregnancy. Conclusion Lymphangiogenesis of human embryo begins between the 7th and 8th weeks of pregnancy. FOXC2 and LYVE-1 could have some relation with the human embryonic lymphatic vessel genesis and development.