Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the expression of apoptosis factor, the mechanism of neuronal apoptosis and profective effect of recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHu EPO) after spinal cord injury (SCI) in SD rats.Methods30 SD rats were divided into four groups including control group, SCI group, treatment groups A and B.The animal SCI model was established with Allen's method. The changes of nerve functions of rats of 4 groups were observed before and after treating with rHu EPO. The expressions of apoptosis factors (Bcl-2,Bax,Fas) were tested with immunocytochemistry technique, and apoptosis neurones were labeled with TUNEL dyeing.ResultsThe grade of nerve function was improved distinctly in treatment groups, but group B was better than group A.The number of the positive cells for Fas and Bax in SCI group was more than that in treatment groups (^P<0.05), and group A was more than group B. The number of Bcl 2 positive cells in the treatment groups was greater than that in SCI group (P<0.05).ConclusionApoptosis is a important death mode of neuron after SCI. rHu EPO can distinctly improve the comeback of the nerve function and protect the nerve tissue.