Abstract: [Objective] To characterize the expression and distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in sheep lung. [Method] The lung tissues of adult sheep were sampled to prepare the paraffin sections. The morphological structure of sheep lung tissues was observed by HE staining. The distribution of VEGF in sheep lung tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. [Result] VEGF expression was observed in all types of lung cells. The strong positive expression signals of VEGF were detected in epithelial cells in bronchioles and terminal bronchioles of air conduction part of the lung, epithelial cells in alveolar ductules and respiratory bronchioles of the respiratory part of lung, and the vascular endothelial cells of the lung. [Conclusion] VEGF was widely distributed in lung tissues of sheep and played an important role in the maintenance of lung morphological structure and function.

Key words: VEGF, sheep, lung, immunohistochemistry