Abstract: AIM To investigate the effects of chronic salt loading on plasma vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in salt-sensitive normotensive adults and to explore the role of the lymphatic system in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension in humans. METHODSTwenty-seven subjects from a rural community were enrolled in this study. The baseline BP of volunteers was monitored, followed by a low-salt diet for 7 days and a high-salt diet for 7 days. Nine subjects were diagnosed with salt sensitivity, and the other eighteen with salt resistance. The concentration of plasma VEGF-C was measured by an immunoenzyme method (ELISA). RESULTSHigh salt intake significantly increased the plasma VEGF-C level. It was higher in the salt-sensitive subjects (3642±406) mg/L, when compared with the salt-resistant subjects (2250±215) mg/L. The comparison of VEGF-C levels between the 2 groups had significant statistical difference (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONThe VEGF-C level increases significantly in salt-sensitive subjects after high salt intake. VEGF-C could be used as a biomarker of salt sensitivity.