ObjectiveTo observe the effect of dehydroepiandrostrone (DHEA) on retinal capillary pericytes’ proliferation under high glucose and research the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR).MethodsRetinas were dissected from eyes of fresh killed cattle and retinal capillary pericytes were separated and cultured.The effect of DHEA (10、50、100、500、1 000nmol/L) on pericytes’ proliferetion was evaluated by 3H-thymidine incorporation and li-quid scintillation techniques.ResultsThere was significant difference between DHEA (50、100、500、1 000nmol/L) and control culturing for 48h.The increasing rate was 42.67% in DHEA of 500nmol/L.ConclusionDHEA could promote pericytes’ proliferation under high glucose.This provided reliable evidence for selecting effective drugs for prevention and treatment of DR clinically.