Objective To establish a method for the primary culture, subculture and identification of mouse renal tubular epithelial cells(mRTECs). Methods Renal tubular segments sticking and three kinds of digesting(trypsin,trypsin+EDTA, collagenase Ⅰ) were used in the primary culture of mRTECs respectively.Cell vitality, morphology and quantity were observed and evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy after trypan-blue staining. Trypsin digestion was used in the subculture of mRTECs. The types of cells were identified by cellular immunocytochemistry. Results The culturing methods of renal tubular segments sticking and collagenase Ⅰ digesting were successfully used in the primary culture of mRTECs and the latter was quicker for the growth of cells.Conclusion Collagenase Ⅰ digesting is an ideal method of cellular culture for the primary culture of mouse renal tubular epith