Aim: To study the expression pattern of the retinoic acid metabolizing enzymes RALDH2 and CYP26bl during mouse postnatal testis development at both mRNA and protein levels. Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the relative quantity of RALDH2 and CYP26bl at both mRNA and protein levels at postnatal day 1, 5, 10, 20, and in adult mice (70 days testes). Testicular localization of RALDH2 and CYP26bl during mouse postnatal development was examined using immunohistochemistry assay. Results: Aldhla 2 transcripts and its protein RALDH2 began to increase at postnatal day 10, and remained at a high level through postnatal day 20 to adulthood. Cyp26bl transcripts and CYP26bl protein did not change significantly during mouse postnatal testis development. RALDH2 was undetectable in the postnatal 1, 5 and 10 day testes using immunohis- tochemistry assay. At postnatal day 20 it was detected in pachytene spermatocytes. Robust expression of RALDH2 was restricted in round spermatids in the adult mouse testis. In the developing and adult testis, CYP26bl protein was confined to the peritubular myoepithelial cells. Conclusion: Our results indicate that following birth, the level of retinoic acid in the seminiferous tubules might begin to increase at postnatal day 10, and maintain a high level through postnatal day 20 to adulthood. (Asian J Androl 2008 Jul; 10: 569-576)