Objective　To investigate the changes and their significance of bcl-2 and c-myc in nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)-induced apoptosis of human malignant glioma cell line SHG-44. Methods　The apoptosis of SHG-44 cells was observed with light and electron microscopy and TUNEL method. The expression of bcl-2 and c-myc gene was measured with immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and image analysis. Results ① The SHG-44 cell apoptosis was induced by NDGA at a concentration lower than 200 μmol/L in a time-dependent manner. ② The expressions of bcl-2 and c-myc gene in SHG-44 cells were decreased after the treatment of 100 μmol/L NDGA with the elapse of time, indicating a close association with cell apoptosis. ③ The expressions of bcl-2 and c-myc mRNA in SHG-44 cells were decreased after the treatment with 100μmol/L NDGA, which was apparently consistent with the immunohistochemical results. Conclusion　The NDGA-induced apoptosis in human malignant glioma cells might be related with the down-regulated expressions of bcl-2 and c-myc gene. The exact mechanism needs further research.