Objective To explore the expression of Cdk4 of neural epithelia,when treated with ganoderma spores in embryonic neural tube defects(NTDs) induced by retinoic acid in pregnant mice. Methods When E7.75d, mice of the ganoderma spores and the control groups were given intragastrically onetime retinoic acid.Then the ganoderma spores solution was given intragastrically to the ganoderma spores group. At E10.5d,immunofluorescence histochemistry and Western blotting were applied to examine the expression of Cdk4. Results The expression of Cdk4 was detected in the neural epithelia of the normal embryos in the ganoderma spores group.The abundance of Cdk4 was no difference between the blank control group and the normal control group.Although the expression of Cdk4 was detected in the neural epithelia of the abnormal embryos in the ganoderma spores group,its level was obviously lower than that in the blank control group or the normal control group.Conclusion Ganoderma spores may promote the expression of Cdk4 in the neural epithelia of neural tube to reduce the occurrence of embryonic NTDs induced by retinoic acid in pregnant mice.