Abstract: Objective: To explore the effect of VEGF- C antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN)on lymphangiogenesis in human gastric carcinoma in nude mice. Methods: The nude mouse model of human gastric carcinoma was established and the VEGF- C- ASODN was injected into the site of the tumor. The expression of VEGF- C mRNA in gastric carcinoma was detected by RT- PCR. Sections were double stained for 5' - nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase (5' - Nase - ALPase) using an enzyme histochemical method to detect lymphatic vessels. Results: The weight and volume of tumors in the ASODN group were significantly lower than those of the tumors in the sense oligodeoxynucleotide (SODN) and control groups (P<0.01). The VEGF- C mRNA level and the number of lymphatic vessels in the gastric carcinoma samples from the ASODN group were dramatically lower than those in the SODN and control groups (P<0.01). Conclusions: VEGF- C- ASODN can strikingly restrict the growth of human gastric carcinoma in nude mice and can inhibit the generation of lymphatic vessels in the transplanted tumor.