Objective: To study the sequential changes of HIF-1α(hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha) in experimental spinalcord injury in rats and to analyze its potential effects inSCI.Methods: A static compression model of SCI wasemployed in this study. Expressions of HIF-1α weremeasured with immunohistochemical staining, while flowcytometry was used to determine the apoptotic ratio andbcl-2 expressions.Results: HIF-1α began to increase 1 day after injury,and reached the peak at 3-7 days. Two weeks later, itdeclined significantly. The sequential changes of HIF-1αcoincided well with the alterations of apoptotic ratio andcontents of bel-2.Conclusions: HIF-1α possibly participates in thesecondary ischemic and hypoxic procedures after spinalcord injury, and may mediate the traumatic apoptosis.Further understanding of HIF-1α may provide newtherapeutic regimens for SCI.