Objective: To explore the effects of ex vivo retrovirus-mediated gene transfer therapy with acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in the management of traumatic brain injury. Methods: PLXSN-SPaFGF, a recombinant retroviral vector expressing biologically active aFGF was constructed and transfected into cultured embryonic astroglial cells which were injected into the surrounding areas of the contusion in the rat left parietal cortex. From 3 d to 1 month after the implantation, the survival of and aFGF gene expression in the implanted astroglial cells were examined, and neuronal apoptosis and rat motor function impairment evaluated. Results: The implanted aFGF-transduced astroglial cells survived and expressed aFGF mRNA and protein evidently at 3 d after grafting. The number of and aFGF gene expression in the astroglial cells increased remarkebly 7 d and decreased to some extent 1 month after the implantation. There were significant aFGF mRNA and protein expression in the neurons surrounding the contusion at 7 d that decreased to relatively low levels 1 month after the implantation of aFGF-transdued astrocytes. Diminished neuronal apoptosis (P＜0.05) and significantly improved in the previously impaired motor function (P＜0.05) of the rats were observed from 7 d to 1 month after the implantation. Conclusion: This experiment successfully conducted ex vivo aFGF gene transfer therapy in traumatic brain injury which proved to be effective in rescuing injured nerve cell from death and enhancing recovery of neurological deficiency.