In order to explore the expression of erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) in pancreatic cell ine NIT-1 and its effect on cell apoptosis after binding with erythropoietin (EPO), NIT-1 cells were cultured and expanded. The expression of EPOR was detected using electrophoresis. NIT-1 apoptosis was induced by cytokines and their effects on cell apoptosis and cell insulin secretion were assayed after binding of EPO to EPOR. The results showed that EPOR was expressed in NIT-1 cells. Recom- binant human EPO (rHuEPO) had no effect on cell apoptosis but significantly inhibited apoptosis in- duced by cytokines, rHuEPO had no effect on cell insulin secretion but significantly improved insulin secretion inhibited by cytokines. From these findings, it was concluded that EPOR was expressed in NIT-1 cells and EPO could protect N1T-1 cells from apoptosis induced by cytokines.