Objective To study the effect of Exendin-4 on oxidative stress and neural apoptosis following spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Adult male SD rats, with weight between 200-250 g, were randomly divided into three groups (12 in each group):Sham group, SCI group and Exendin-4 group (Ex-4 group). Rats in Sham group achieved spinal cord exposure. SCI group and Ex-4 group were induced according to Allen′s test (using a weight-drop device). Rats in Ex-4 group were ad?ministrated with Exendin-4 (10 μg/rat) through intraperitoneal injection immediately after establishment of SCI models. Rats in Sham group and SCI group were given the same volume of normal saline solution instead. Level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of catalase (CAT) were assessed in spinal cord tissues 24 hour after drug administrations. Neural apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and the expression levels of caspase-9 and AIF were determined using Western blot. Results Compared with Sham group, the levels of MDA, caspase-9 and AIF as well as neuronal apoptosis rate in?creased obviously, while activity of CAT decreased markedly in SCI group(P<0.01). Compared with SCI group, the levels of MDA, caspase-9 and AIF as well as the neuronal apoptosis rate decreased obviously, while activity of CAT increased re?markably in Exendin-4 group(P < 0.01). Conclusion Exendin-4 restrain neural apoptosis following spinal cord injury through relieving oxidative damage.