OBJECTIVE: To understand if there are positive nestin cells in the embryonic human brain. METHODS: Fifteen normal embryoes with gestational ages of 16-32 weeks due to termination of pregnancy were enrolled in this study. The cells from hippocampus, striatum and ependyma in the embryonic human brain were studied using HE staining and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Different amounts of positive nestin cells were found in the hippocampus, striatum and under ependyma of the embryonic human brain with gestational age of 16 w, 17 w, 20 +3 w, 22 w, 23 w, 24 +5 w, 25 w and 27 w respectively. The positive nestin cells were displayed two different types in morphology, more in small round form than in big oval shap one. CONCLUSIONS: There are positive nestin cells, with two different forms, in the embryonic human brain.