Abstract: The embryonic development is exactly regulated by many genes. Apoptotic signals exist in the early embryonic development. Apoptosis is prevalent in the pre-implantation embryos，even in the embryo with normal morphology. In fact，apoptosis is the direct result of abnormal expressions of both anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic genes. It is very important to study the expressions of apoptotic genes in the early embryonic development for us to find the mechanism of the early blocked development of embryo. And it is significant for us to improve the ART outcomes. Those apoptotic genes and factors were also discussed in this review，including BCL family，heat shock proteins，and growth factors.

Key words: Embryonic development, Apoptosis, Apoptosis inducing factor, Apoptosis regulatory proteins, Heat-shock proteins