Objective：To explore the expression of GATA4 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in fetal liver and hepatocarcinoma cells and their correlation. Methods: Semi-quantitive RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of GATA4 and AFP in liver tissues from mouse of E 10.5 d to P 0.5 d, normal liver cells, and hepatocarcinoma cells. Eukaryotic expression vector of mouse GATA4 was used to transfect normal liver cell line and the product was identified. Doxorubicine was used to treat hepatocarcinoma cells; then semi-quantitive RT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA of GATA4, fetoprotein transcription factor(FTF) and AFP; Western blot was used to examine the expression of GATA4 and AFP; and ELISA was used to determine AFP in supernatants. Results: The expression of GATA4 and AFP decreased with the maturation of fetal liver cells and reached adult level 0.5 d after birth. GATA4, FTF and AFP were not detected in normal liver cells but were overexpressed in hepatocarcinoma cells. The expression of FTF and AFP was increased in normal liver cells after transfection of GATA4, and the level of AFP was also increased in the supernatant. GATA4 was sharply decreased in hepatocarcinoma cells within 6 h after doxorubicine treatment; the expression of FTF and AFP was also decreased in supernatants 12 h after doxorubicine treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: GATA4 is highly expressed in fetal liver and hepatocarcinoma cells,which may contribute to the elevation of AFP expression.