【Abstract】ObjectiveTo construct an mdr1 expression vector and detect its expression in HepG2 cells in vitro. MethodsThe 4.5-kb mdr1 cDNA was obtained from the plasmid pHaMDR1 cloned into the PCIneo mammalian expression vector, which was later transferred into human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 by liposome. Then the HepG2 cells resisting G418 were clustered and proliferated，and the specific fragment of mdr1 cDNA, mRNA and the Pgp in these HepG2 cells were detected by means of PCR, RT-PCR and FCM respectively. ResultsThe mdr1 expression vector was constructed successfully，and the stable multidrug resistance(MDR) hepatocarcinoma cell line （HepG2/mdr1） was developed as well. The outcome of PCR analysis showed that the specific fragment of mdr1 cDNA could be found in HepG2/mdr1 cells, but not in the nontransfection HepG2 cells. Furthermore,the content of the specific fragment of mdr1 mRNA and the expression of P-gp in HepG2/mdr1 cells were (59.7±7.9)% and (12.5±5.45)% respectively, the corresponding value in HepG2 cells were (16.9±3.2)% and (4.63±2.59)% respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). ConclusionIt is praticable to develop MDR hepatocarcinoma cell line by transferring mdr1 cDNA into HepG2 cells, which is useful in the research of MDR mechanism.