Objective To observe the effects of culture medium of amniotic cells on NO and NOS in retinal tissues of rabbits in vitro in order to provide a protective method for antioxidation in retina transplantation. Methods Thirty adult healthy rabbits (30 right eyes) were divided into 3 groups. Group I: fresh retinal tissue; group II: routine culture medium; group III: culture medium of amniotic cells. The retinal tissues in group II and III were cultured in the corresponding culture medium for 1 week. The content of NO and NOS in retinal tissues in the 3 groups were determined. Results Compared with group I, the content of NO and NOS of group II increased obviously (t=3.821, 3.854; P<0.001). There was no statistical difference of content of NO and NOS between group I and III (t=1.657, 1.745; P>0.05). Conclusion Culture medium of amniotic cells may remove free radicals and enhance the ability of antioxidation. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,2004,20:366-368)