【Abstract】Objective To establish a stable intracerebral hemorrhagic model in SD rats, and analyze the neuroprotective effect of methylprednisolone on intracerebral hemorrhagic model by studying the cerebral edema, neurofunctional scores, the postoperative OX42 immunohistochemical staining and MMP9 protein expression on the hypertensive rats. Methods The SD rat model of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage was estalished by stereotactic apparatus. The rats were divided into sham operation group,cerebral hemorrhage group, methylprednisolone group and control group. Methylprednisolone group was treated with intraperitoneal injection of methylprednisolone (35mg/kg). The control group was injected with same measure saline. The cerebral water content, neurological behavioral scores, MMP9 protein expression, apoptosis and activation of microglia in rats were observed. Results The cerebral water content of SHRs in methylprednisolone group were significantly lower than that in control group at different time points (P＜005). The neurological behavioral scores in methylprednisolone group were significantly lower than that in control group at different time points (P＜005). The postoperative OX42 immunohistochemical staining on 3rd day showed the number of active microglia in methylprednisolone group were less thanthat in the control group (P＜005). MMP9 expression of the brain tissue surrounding the hematoma in methylprednisolone group was lower than the control group (P＜005). Conclusion Methylprednisolone could inhibit MMP9 expression after intracerebral hemorrhage. Methylprednisolone has neuroprotective effect in terms of reducing cerebral edema, inflammatory response.