Objective:To investigate mRNA expression of aquaporin-1(AQP1) in human non-small cell lung cancer and its clinic significance. Methods:The mRNA expression of aquaporin-1(AQP1) was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in 17 cases of squamous cell carcinomas,18 cases of adenocarcinomas and normal lung tissue. Results:The mRNA expression level of AQP1 in adenocarcinomas was significantly higher than that of normal lung tissue,but not in squamous cell carcinomas. Conclusion:Over-expression of AQP1 may play an important role in development of human pulmonary adenocarcinomas. The result may suggest a potential role of AQP1 as a novel therapeutic target for the management of lung cancer.