[Correlation between the expression of collgen IV, VEGF and vasculogenic mimicry]

To study the relationship between collgen (Col) IV, VEGF secreted by the tumor cells and vasculogenic mimicry (VM).

158 bi-phase differential malignant tumor specimens were alloted and made into tissue microarray. These tissue microarray sections were stained with CD31, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Col IV. Subsequently, distributive trait of Col IV and the difference of VEGF expression were analyzed.

The basement membrane of VM was PAS and Col IV positive. The expression of VEGF in bi-phase differential malignant tumor with VM was less than that in those without VM. The difference of VEGF expression in malignant melanoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma was significant (P < 0.05).

Collgen IV and periodic acid-Schiff positive material take part in constructing the basement membrane of vasculogenic mimicry. The difference of the VEGF expression proves that vasculogenic mimicry can sustain the tumor blood supply.