Aim To investigate the protective effect of mGluR5 activated by VU0360172 on germinal matrix hemorrhage in neonatal rats.Methods Seven day- old SD rats were randomly divided into Sham, GMH, and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups.The model was established by intracerebral injection of collagenase W-S.Then three doses of VU0360172 were injected intraperitoneal^ 3 h after surgery.Sham and GMH group were given the same amount of solvent.Neurobe- havioral tests were performed 24 h after surgery.Then the brain tissues were collected for evaluation of brain water content, brain hemoglobin content and HE stai¬ning.The expressions of Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3 were determined by Western blot.Results Compared with Sham, GMH group had pooler behaviors in neuro- functional tests with increased brain water content and brain hemoglobin content (P < 0.01 ).And brain tis¬sues were destroyed significantly.WB results showed the expression level of Bcl-2 decreased ( P < 0.05 ) , while cleaved-caspase-3 being up-regulated ( P < 0.01).However, the administration of VU0360172 improved neurological function and ameliorated brain edema and hemorrhage ( P <0.01 ).Brain pathologi¬cal damage was reduced.Moreover, the stimulation of mGluR5 up-regulated Bcl-2 protein expression ( P < 0.05 ) and decreased the level of cleaved-caspase-3 ( P <0.01 ).Conclusion Activation of mGluR5 by VIJ0360172 protects against germinal matrix hemor¬rhage in neonatal rats.