Abstract: Objective To find the relationship between the survivin mRNA transcription levels in different stages of esophageal carcinogenesis and the pathological changes in rat model induced by methyl benzyl nitrosamine (MBNA). Methods Wistar rats were injected of MBNA at dose of 3.5mg/kg 2 times per week.At 10,20,30 week,8 rats were respectively killed to observe the general situation and the pathological changes of esophageal mucosa.We also detect the transcription lever of survivin mRNA by RT-PCR method. Results A progressive increase in esophageal lesions was observed.There was no significant difference among 10,20 and 30 weeks of survivin mRNA transcription levels (0.48±0.16,0.42±0.15,0.46±0.17)in rats (P> 0.05),but when compared with normal rats (0.24±0.13),significantly increase (P<0.01 or P<0.05) was observed. Conclusion The transcription levels of survivin mRNA in early stage in the esophageal carcinogenesis induced by MBNA was high and maintain a high level in the cancer process.It is suggested that the inhibition of survivin mRNA transcription of esophageal cancer was a potential molecular target for prevention and treatment.