Using NADPH-diaphorase staining and histochemical analysis the influence of intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid (KA), intraperitoneal administration of nicotine (NIC) and combination of both these factors on hippocampal neurons in male rats of the Wistar strain was studied. KA was administered to 25- and 35-day-old animals which were or weren't 30 minutes before KA administration pre-treated with NIC. Two days after the application, animals were transcardially perfused. To identify the vulnerable hippocampal regions staining Fluoro Jade B and Hoechst (bisbenzimide) were used. The findings were as follows: NIC brings about higher numbers of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in CA3 area of the hippocampus and hilus of the dentate gyrus in the comparison with either group of control animals. As well as KA changes the count of nitrigergic neurons. Fluoro-Jade B staining did not detect any degenerating neurons in the hippocampus after NIC administration, the neurodegeneration was detected after KA application, but was smaller after nicotine pretreatment. We can speculate that NIC can be a neuroprotective agent, but next studies are necessary. The work was supported by grants GACR 305/03H148, GACR 309/05/2015, GAUK 45/2004 and MSM 0021620816.