Objective To explore the expression pattern and effects of hypoxia inducible factor-1? (HIF-1?) in experimental spinal cord injury. Methods The expression of HIF-1? at various time was detected at levels of mRNA and protein by using methods of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry. Results HIF-1? expressed more significantly at levels of mRNA and protein in all kinds of cells in the injured spinal cord than in the normal spinal cord (P