RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to observe the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (UPA) in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (Tca8113) after heat shock with different dosage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of UPA protein of Tca8113 after different heating temperatures(37 degrees C, 40 degrees C, 43 degrees C and 45 degrees C) treatment was examined by immunohistochemical technique (IH) and flow cytometry (FCM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with 37 degrees C group, the UPA protein expression in 40 degrees C and 43 degrees C groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05); however, the UPA protein expression in 45 degrees C group decreased but no statistical difference was found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Hyperthermia could inhibit invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and could be considered as a safe method in curing the tumor.</p>