Abstract:

Objective    To investigate the expression of Slit2 and its correlation with the lymphatic vessel density(LVD) in human hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, and to analyze their influences on the biological behavior of human hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods    The expressions of Slit2 and D2-40 -labeled lymphatic vessel density(LVD) were measured by immunochemical staining in 66 hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 42 normal tissue samples. Results    The positive rates of Slit2 in cancerous tissues and para-cancerous tissues were 65.2 % and 40.5 %，  respectively. Expression rate of Slit2 and LVD were closely associated with tumor size, TNM staging, and lymph node metastasis. The numeration of LVD was increased in Slit2 -positive tissues. Expression of Slit2 showed a positive correlation with LVD(rs=0.430, P<0.05). Conclusion    Expression of Slit2 and enumeration of LVD were significantly higher in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma than in normal mucosa. Their close correlations to the tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis suggest that Slit2 might mediate new lymphatic vessel formation in the tumors.

Key words: Slit2； Hypopharyngeal carcinoma；Squamous cell carcinoma Immunohistochemistry； Micro lymphatic vessel density