The protective effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on neurons after traumatic brain injury (TBI) was investigated. A brain trauma model of fluid-percussion in rats was established, and 7s NGF was infused continuously in its cerebral ventricle. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), and [Ca2+]i overloading in brain tissues was observed after giving exogenous NGF postinjury. We found that the activity of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT was markedly higher in NGF-treated group than in the simple trauma group (P < 0.01). Although the level of [Ca2+]i in the NGF-treated group increased, the value was significantly lower than that in the simple trauma and control groups (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that exogenous NGF can (a) increase the activity of the major antioxidant enzymes in brain tissues and attenuate the injuries to neurons induced by oxygen-free radicals, (b) reduce the severe overload of [Ca2+]i and stabilize its homeostasis, and (c) provide clear protective effects on neurons after traumatic brain injury.