Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) has been implicated as a key enzyme in lipid metabolism. The pattern of LPL gene expression in different ages and its relation to adipose deposition was studied. Fifteen female Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs aged at 1 day, 7, 14, 21 and 28 weeks (three pigs per age, 10% per each bred) were used to study developmental gene expression of LPL in subcutaneous adipose tissue by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that the LPL mRNA levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue significantly increased from 1 day to 7 weeks (P<0.01), and then gradually decreased from 7 to 28 weeks. A strong inverse correlation between LPL mRNA levels and age as well as adipose index and body weight was found between 7 and 28 weeks. Body weight and total adipose weight increased significantly with age (P<0.01).