Aim To investigate the effect and possible mechanisms of high pressure on the expression of E-selectin in vascular endothelial cells. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured under 0,120,150,180, 210 mmHg in a custom-made pressure incubator for 24 h or treated under 180 mmHg of static pressure for 0,3,6,12,24 h.Western blot,flow cytomety and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of E-selectin,inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB alpha(IκBα) and nuclear factor kappaB(NF-κB) respectively. Results High pressure significantly up-regulated the level of E-selectin.E-selectin level was increased about 1.5 times at 180 mmHg for 24 h,IκBα was downregulated more than 2 times following 180 mmHg culturing for 6 h and 12 h,NFκB was transferred from cytoplasm to nuclear by 180 mmHg culture for 24 h. Conclusion High pressure significantly upregulates E-selectin expression by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway.