Objective To explore the pathogenesis of autism by observation of changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) positive neurons and the morphology of pyramidal cells in hippocampal CA1 region,and provide theoretical evidence for the therapeutic schedule.Methods Animal model of autism was obtained by Schneider method.Using the immunohistochemistry methods and image analysis,the number of BDNF positive neurons was examined in hippocampal CA1 region of the autism model rats and the normal rats,and the changes of pyramidal cell were observed in hippocampal CA1 region after HE staining.Results The numbers of BDNF positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of the autism model rats were more than those of the normal rats (5.00 ±1.60 vs 3.00 ± 1.04,t =3.63,P =0.0015).The morphology of pyramidal cells showed that the pyramidal cells of the autism model rats in hippocampal CA1 region had apoptosis.Conclusion The occurrence of autism may be related to the changes of BDNF and the morphology of pyramidal cells in hippocampal CA1 region.