Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of Taurine on Schwann cell apoptosis of sciatic nerve in diabetic rat , and explore its mechanism of nervous protective effect。Methods: the diabetic models were induced by streptozotocin . the sciatic nerve were taken out in 8th week from the beginning of treatment, and then various parameters were measured as follows: The content of MDA and GSH in sciatic nerve were analysed by chromatometry ;caspase-3 expression in protein and mRNA level in sciatic nerve were analysed by immunohistochemical and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) method; Apoptosis of Schwann cell by method of TUNEL.Results: Taurine-treated control group could attenuate the content of MDA in sciatic nerve, and elevate the content of GSH(p<0.05).We did not find the Protein expression of actived caspase-3 and Apoptosis of Schwann cell in sciatic nerve of normal control group, but the caspase-3mRNA expression were at lower level in normal group than in model group(P<0.05).Taurine group significantly decreased the expression of caspase-3 and Apoptosis of Schwann cell （P<0.05）.Conclusion: Taurine inhibiting transcription of caspase-3mRNA and activation of caspase-3 and decreasing apoptosis may be through adjusting the oxidative stress state of organism . This may be one of the function mechanisms of protective effects of Taurine on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.