Objective To study the temporal expression pattern of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the brain tissue of rats after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and provide evidence for HGF-targeted interventions for TBI. Methods Ninety-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups including a sham-operated group and 7 TBI groups (n=12) examined at 2, 6, 12, 24, 72, 168 and 336 h after to fluid percussion injury of the brain. Each group was randomized into two subgroups (n=6), one for examining HGF expression and neuropathological changes in the brain with immunohistochemistry and HE staining, and the other for detecting the expression of HGF mRNA using RT-PCR. Results HGF expression increased at both the protein and mRNA levels after TBI. The number of HGF-positive cells began to increase on the margin of the injured area 24 h after the injury till reaching the peak level at 168 h. At 336 h after the injury, the number of HGF-positive cells declined but still maintained a high level. The expression of HGF mRNA began to increase 72 h after injury and reached the peak level at 168 h. Conclusion As a neurotrophic factor and an angiogenic factor, HGF may contribute to neuronal protection and nerve tissue repair and regeneration after TBI.