Aim To study the feasibility and mechanism of probucol in resolution of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal-induced arthritis. Methods A rat model of acute gouty arthritis was induced with the injection of MSU into rat ankle joint cavity. The effects of probucol on arthritis were investigated through observing clinical features,the synovial fluid white blood cell count and interleukin-1β(IL-1β). IL-1β concentration of culture medium was observed after the 18 h intervention with probucol in THP-1 monocytes while stimulated by MSU. Results The degree of joint swelling decreased gradually from probucol low-dose group to high-dose group and there was signifanct difference between mid-dose and hign-dose probucol groups and model group at 72h(P<0.05). The synovial fluid white blood cell count and IL-1β declined in varying degrees in probucol groups compar with the model group. Synovial fluid white blood cell count of probucol mid-dose and high-dose group decreased significantly,comparing with the model group (P<0.01,P<0.001). IL-1β of probucol high-dose group decreased significantly comparing with the model group (P<0.05). Probucol group showed no inhibition on IL-1β secretion of the THP-1 human monocyte cells. Conclusion The mid-dose and hign-dose probucol can effectively control acute gouty arthritis attack and the effect is dependent on dose,but the effect is not produced by inhibiting IL-1β secretion of THP-1 monocytes after the uptaking the MSU.