Interferons (IFNs) play important physiological roles in early embryo development, but its mechanism is still unclear. The full length cDNA of interferon responsive gene (IFRG) was cloned in rabbit ovary (Accession No. AJ584672). The expression profile of IFRG in oocytes and preimplantation embryos was detected using RT-PCR. IFRG was expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos in rabbit, which provided some clues for better understanding the role of IFNs during embryo development. In situ hybridization showed that IFRG was highly expressed in granulosa, thecal and cumulus cells, which were consanguineous interrelation to follicles development. So it was proved that IFRG expression was involved in the follicles development, maturation and ovulation in rabbit.