Aim In order to investigate the relationship between integrin-linked kinase （ILK） and proliferative capacity of cardiac myocytes, we observed the expression of ILK and cyclin D1 in cardiomyocytes of Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats at different development stages （embryonic, newborn, adult and old）. Methods Hearts of SD rats at different development stages （fetal day 16, postnatal day 1, 3, 7, postnatal month 2, postnatal year 1, 1.5） were used to study. Real time polymerase chain reaction （real time PCR） and Western blot analysis were used to assess ILK and cyclin D1 expression. Results The expression of ILK in myocardial tissue decreased progressively with aging in SD rats. Expression of ILK was the highest in the fetal life （16 days gestation）, and the level of ILK tended to be stable at 2 month after birth. Expression of cyclin D1 was positively correlated with ILK content. Conclusions The altered ILK and cyclin D1 parallel normal cardiac development, and expression of cyclin D1 is positively correlated with ILK content. ILK may be correlated with proliferative capacity of cardiac myocytes.