Abstract: Objective To probe the effect of Kunshen Granule on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C(VFGF-C) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3(VFGFR-3). Methods 40 BALB/C nude mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: negative control group, 5-Fu group, Kunshen large dose group and small dose group. The nude mice except the negative group were implanted human cancer cell SGC-7901 on stomach near the greater curvature side by means of plastering "OB" gum. And then nude mice were treated with normal saline, 5-Fu, Kunshen large dose and small dose respectively. After six weeks, the animals were anesthetized, sacrificed and the local growth transplanted tumor were observed. The expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in the local transplanted tumor tissues were detected and analyzed semi-quantitatively by means of Envision immunohistochemistry staining. Results ①The transplanted tumors in 40 nude mice were growing well, and some of them had enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, lymph nodes metastasis rates of 5-Fu group, Kunshen large dose group and small dose group were 50%,40%,60%, significantly lower than negative control group, which was 100%.②Compared to negative control group, the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in 5-Fu group, Kunshen large dose group and small dose group were significantly decreased, the difference had a statistical significance(P <0.01). Difference of the expression of VEGF-C between the Kunshen large dose group and 5-Fu group had a statistical significance(P <0.05). Difference of the expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 between the Kunshen large dose group and Kunshen small dose group had a statistical significance(P<0.01).③There is linear correlativity between the expression of VEGF-C, VEGFR-3 and the lymph nodes metastasis nearly(r=0.825, P=0.00). Conclusion Kunshen granule can decreased the expression of the VEGF-C and VEGFR-3, which may be one of the mechanisms inhibiting carcinoma lymph nodes metastasis.

Key words: Kunshen Granule, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, experimental study