Abstract:The endogenous ABA levels of various developmental stages of somatic embryos in Coptis chinensis F. were examined with HPLC method. ABA contents in embryogenic cell aggregates, globular somatic embryos, torpedo-shaped somatic embryos and cotyledon stage embryoids were 0. 452, 0. 461, 0. 831 and 2. 50 μg/g fr. wt respectively. Exogenous application of 4 μmol/L ABA enhanced the frequency of forming normal cotyledon stage embryos and promoted secondary embryo productivity most efficiently. Cycloheximide was found to inhibit protein synthesis of somatic embryos in medium with ABA more than in ABA-free medium. The results suggest that ABA regulate somatic embryogenesis of C. chinensis through induction of protein synthesis.