目的分析神经钙黏蛋白(NCdh)在鸡胚脊髓发育过程中的表达模式及可能的作用。方法收集孵育第3天(E3)、E4、E6和E8鸡胚,冷冻切片获得脊髓连续切片;分别应用原位杂交和荧光免疫组织化学方法分析NCdh mRNA和蛋白质的表达定位。结果原位杂交及荧光免疫组织化学检测结果显示,在脊髓发育早期E3时期,NCdh主要表达在神经上皮层和脊索部位,随发育时间延长,E3～E8时期NCdh表达量总体呈减弱趋势,特别在脊索部位随发育时间延长呈明显减弱,但在背根神经节表达有所增强,具有严格的时空特异性。结论 NCdh在脊髓中的表达变化说明该基因在脊髓发生和发育过程中起重要作用。 Objective To analyze the expression patterns and possible roles of neural cadherin (NCdh) in the development of chicken embryo spinal cord. Methods Embryonic day 3 (E3), E4, E6 and E8 chicken embryos were harvested and serial sections of spinal cord were harvested. Expressions of NCdh mRNA and protein were analyzed by in situ hybridization and fluorescence immunohistochemistry respectively. Results In situ hybridization and fluorescence immunohistochemistry showed that NCdh mainly expressed in the neuroepithelium and the chordae at the early stage of spinal cord development. The expression of NCdh tended to weaken with the increasing of developmental time, especially in the period of E3 ~ E8 Chordate site with the developmental time was significantly reduced, but in the dorsal root ganglia expression has increased, with strict space-time specificity. Conclusion The change of NCdh expression in the spinal cord indicates that the gene plays an important role in the development and development of spinal cord.