Abstract: Objective Investigating the expression of transcription factor specificity proteins 8 (Sp8) in the neuroblasts produced by the neural stem cells in adult rat subventricular zone. Methods Four adult rats were killed through intracardiac perfusion to get the brain samples, and immunofluorescence staining and laser confocal microscope scanning were performed to observe the expression of transcription factor Sp8 in the neuroblasts produced by the neural stem cells in the subventricular zone. Results There were a large number of neuroblasts derived from the neural stem cells in the entire subventricular zone，from rostral to caudal regions. The dorsal-lateral region gave rise to most of the neuroblasts, and these neuroblasts usually distributed intensively as a chain. Compared　to the caudal regions, the rostral regions generated more neuroblasts and the vast majority of them expressed the　transcription factor Sp8. Conclusion Transcription factor Sp8 is expressed widely in the subventricular zone and might participate in the generation of neuroblasts and inte

Key words: Subventricular zone, Neuroblast, Transcription factor Sp8, Immunofluorescence, Rat