Objective To investigate the possibility of commitment differentiation of embryonic stem cells induced by the medium of cultured retinal neurons of SD rats. Methods The medium from cultured retinal neurons of SD rats were collected, sterilized and mixed with DMEM medium according to 2∶3 proportion, ES cells were cultured with these mixed medium and were observed under the phase contrast microscope daily, the induced cells were identified by NF immunohistochemistry methods. Results The ES cells cultured with these mixed medium can differentiate into neuron-like structure, and the induced cells were positive in NF immunofluorescence staining. Conclusion The medium from cultured retinal neurons of SD rats can induce ES cells commitment differentiation into neuron-like structure. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2002, 18: 134-136)