Objective: To observe the anti-inflammation effect and related mechanism of anti-gout capsules (AGC) in rat with acute gouty arthritis (AGA). Method: AGA model was made by injection of sodium urate in the ankle joint cavity of rat.The joint swelling degree was estimated by volume method.The level of intereukin-1β(IL-1β) was detected by ELISA method in serum and joint fluid.The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) protein was observed and analysis by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Result: Compared with normal rats

the joint swelling degree of foots and ankles were higher after injection of sodium urate in the ankle joint cavity of rat for 1-5 d.AGC (0.3

1.2 g·kg-1) and colchicine group (0.8 mg·kg-1) significantly decreased joint swelling degree of foots and ankles compared to the model group(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Especially in 5 d

the joint swelling degree of foots and ankles showed obviously reduced to normal group in AGC high dose and colchicine groups.Compared with normal group

the level of IL-1β was higher in joint fluid of AGA model rat.The levels of IL-1β were decreased by AGC and colchicine in joint fluids of AGA rat compared with model group.The expression of TNF-α protein was higher in model group than that in the normal rats (P<0.01).The expression of TNF-α protein was significantly decreased in articular cartilage tissues of AGA rat in AGC group compared with those in the model group. Conclusion: The mechanism of AGC on therapeutic effect of AGA is related to decreasing in the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in articular tissue of AGA rats.