Aim To investigate if the atorvastatin calcium protects the brain against injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)and its impact on the expression of nuclear factor-κBp56(NF-κBp56)and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1).Methods Rats were subjected to cerebral I/R injury through the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery.Neurological deficits were determined by Longa's score.The expression of ICAM-1 and NF-κB were detected by immuno-histochemical analysis.The effusion of polymorphonuclear leucocytes(PMNLs)in brain tissue was evaluated by HE staining.Results In group I/R+statin,contrasting to group I/R,the expression of ICAM-1 and NF-κB were decreased significantly(p<0.05);the Longa's score were lower(p<0.05);and the effusion of PMNLs were inhibited(p<0.05).Conclusion Atorvastatin-calcium has protective effects on the brain after experimental stroke and its probable mechanism involves the decreased expression of NF-κBp56 and ICAM-1.