Objective To investigate the changes of oligodendrocytes and associated neurophic factors after carbon monoxide injury. Related neurophic factor investigated in present study was Lingo-1 (leucine-rich repeat-and Ig domain-containing nogo receptor-interacting protein-1). Methods Took new (36 hours) SD rats′ cortex in vitro and purified oligodendrocytes by cell adherent time purification method and the condition of limited medium purification. Inverted microscope combined with immunofluorescence staining appraisal cell types, observing the morphology changes of oligodendrocytes. Cells were randomly divided into two groups, control group and CO injured group. In the control group cells were cultured normally. In CO injured group cells were cultured in the three gas airtight incubated with 0.1% CO. The mRNA expressions of Lingo-1 were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction at 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after given with CO. Results The immunofluorescence staining of Lingo-1 and MBP were positive. After the treatment with CO the survival rate of oligodendrocytes decreased significantly and cells apoptosis increased with time. It was until 72 h that most cells were broken. Compared with control group, the mRNA expressions of Lingo-1 was higher in the CO injured group (P<0.05) with the highest quantity at 48 h (P<0.05). Conclusion The survival rate of oligodendrocytes after the injury of carbon monoxide in vitro decreased obviously relating with the expressions of Lingo-1, which meant that Lingo-1 may be related to the damages of oligodendrocytes and further brain demyelinating changes.