Objective To observe the effects of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the expression of neurotrophic factor protein gene in the retinal detachment (RD) rabbits. Methods 60 healthy rabbits were randomly divided into control group (group A), retinal detachment with PBS group (group B), retinal detachment with BMSCs group (group C), 20 rabbits in each group. RD model were established for rabbits in group B and C. 10 μl PBS was injected into the subretinal space of rabbits in group B, while 10 μl CM-Dil labeled BMSC PBS was injected into subretinal space of rabbits in group C. The rabbits in the group A received no treatment. At 1, 2 and 4 weeks after modeling, the mRNA expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Results At 1, 2 and 4 weeks after modeling, the mRNA expression of bFGF, BDNF, CNTF on retinal tissue were increased significantly in group C as compared with group A and B (P < 0.01). At 1 week after modeling, the mRNA expression of bFGF and CNTF on retinal tissue were increased significantly in group B as compared with group A, the mRNA expression of BDNF on retinal tissue in group B was similar with group C. At 2 and 4 weeks after modeling, the mRNA expression of bFGF, BDNF, CNTF were decreased in group B as compared with group A. Conclusion Subretinal transplantation of BMSC can increase the mRNA expression of bFGF, BDNF and CNTF on retinal tissue in RD rabbits.