Objective To explore the effects of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) on central sensitivity and allodynia in rats with skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR)-induced persistent pain, so as to provide reference for elucidating the potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of postoperative chronic pain. Methods A postoperative chronic pain rat model was induced by SMIR. Thirty-six male SD rats were randomized into sham group, 1, 5, 10, and 20 d after SMIR groups and SMIR+intrathecal injection of SDF-1 neutralizing antibody group, with six rats in each group. The mechanical allodynia was determined with up-down method, and the expressions of SDF-1 were detected by Western blotting after surgery. Furthermore, 18 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham group (n=6), SMIR group (n=6) and SMIR+anti-SDF-1 group (SDF-1 neutralizing antibody was given on the surface of the spinal cord, n=6). The long-term potentiation (LTP) of C-fiber-evoked potentials in the rat spinal dorsal horn was detected in the three groups. Results The SDF-1 expressions were significantly increased on the 5, 10 and 20 days after SMIR versus the sham group (all P<0.05). The pain threshold of rats was significantly reduced after SMIR versus the sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the sham group, intrathecal injection of SDF-1 neutralizing antibody significantly suppressed the mechanical allodynia induced by SMIR (P<0.05). The LTP was significantly increased one hour after SMIR (P<0.01), and SDF-1 neutralizing antibody given on the surface of the spinal cord significantly inhibited the increased LTP induced by SMIR (P<0.01). Conclusion SDF-1 of the spinal dorsal horn is involved in SMIR-induced central sensitivity and allodynia in rats, but the specific mechanism is still unclear.