Objective:To determine the relationship between the expression of aquaporin-4(AQP4) after intracerebral hemorrhage and dexamethasone treated. Methods:Collagenase Ⅶ was injected in caudate nucleus in a stereotaxis frame to establish the intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH) animal models. The intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH) rats were randomly divided into four groups: the sham group (group A), the ICH group(group B), low dose-treated group(group C), moderate dose group(group D) and high dose group(group E). The groups were respectively received an intraperitoneal dexamethasone injection with 1 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, twice a day for three days. The brain water content(BWC), the permeability of blood-brain barrier(BBB) and the expression of AQP4 were observed. Results:Both the BBB disruption and AQP4 expression decreased in treated groups, and the AQP4 expression had a dose-dependent manner in the dexamethasone treatment. And it seemed that low dose dexamethasone was in favor of brain swelling elimination, but the higher dosage had not similar effect. Conclusion:Dexamethesone may play a critical role on expression of AQP4 in the physiopathology of hemorrhagic edema.