Survival and differentiation of transplanted cells is closely related to the local microenvironment.The present study cultured human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs) in a simulated microenvironment in vitro comprising RPMI 1640 culture medium and the solution extracted from injured brain tissues. Some HAECs were round, triangular in form or irregularly shaped, with extended neuronlike processes; some of the processes were interconnected, representing neuron-like morphologyand some HAECs were microtubule-associated protein 2-positive. HAECs survived for at least 4 weeks following transplantation into the center and edges of the trauma focus with traumatic brain injury, and were microtubule-associated protein 2-positive. Moreover, the motor function of rat hind limbs was significantly improved.