AIM: To detect the effect of tetrandrine (Tet) on c-fos gene expression in cerebrum induced by lindane, a neurotoxicant which activates Ca2+ channels. METHODS: Northern and dot blotting, dual wavelength thin layer chromatography scanner, were used in this study. RESULTS; Lindane 30 mg.kg(-1) given by intragastric gavage (ig) increased the expression of c-fos gene to 146 mm(2) in rat cerebrum 1 h after treatment. Tet 1, 2, and 4 mg.kg(-1) given by ig 30 min prior to lindane reduced c-fos gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Expressed genes reached only 86, 40, and 39 mm(2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Tet inhibited c-fos gene expression in rat cerebrum induced by Ca2+ agonist - lindane.