Aim To investigate time course of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) activation after artery endothelium denudation and its relationship with local vascular cell adhesion molcular-1(VCAM-1) expression. Methods Deendothelialization injury of rat aorta was produced by ballooning(3 times) with PTCA catheter.Crucify 6 rats before and at every time points after procedure: 0 h,12 h,24 h,1 d,2 d,3 d,7 d and 14 d.NF-κB activation was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA).Local VCAM-1 expression was measured by immunohistochemical Assay. Results Scanning electron microscopy showed that endothelium was completely denudated.Significant neointima proliferation was seen at 14 days after injury.NF-κB was activated at 12 h and culminated at 1 to 3 days after operation,and then decreased gradually.Its activation was higher at 14 days after operation than control,but there was no statistical significance.No local VCAM-1 expression could be detected immediately after denudation.At 7 days after operation,VCAM-1 was positive on the surface of endothelium and in the medium smooth muscle cells(SMC).At 14 days after operation,VCAM-1 was still positive on the surface of uncovered endothelium,while more abundant expression was seen in the bottom of neointima near internal elastic lamina. Conclusions NF-κB activation and VCAM-1 expression participate in the inflammation of rat denudated artery.Activation and inactivation of NF-κB occur before the expression and disappearance of VCAM-1.