Objective To study the effect of atorvastatin on the expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the spinal cord of rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Methods Eighty healthy female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group (n=20),EAE model group (n=20),low-dose treatment group (n=20) and high-dose treatment group (n=20).Each group was equally divided into 2 sub-groups:14-d group and 21-d group according to the day that they were sacrificed.EAE rat models were established by immunizing the rats with fresh guinea-pig spinal cord homogenate plus complete Freund's Adjuvat (CFA).Rats of the treatment groups were fed with atorvastatin at dasage of 2 mg/(kg·d)and 10 mg/ (kg·d),respectively; and rats of the normal control group and EAE model group were fed with physiological saline.The severity of EAE was scored according to the signs and symptoms,and NIHSS was performed.Pathological changes were observed with the aid of HE staining.The levels of ICAM-1 and TGF-β1 were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The rats in the high-dose treatment group had significantly lower incidence of disease,decreased CNS inflammation focus,lower level of ICAM-1 and higher level of TGF-β1 as compared with rats of the EAE model group and low-dose treatment group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Atorvastatin could ameliorate EAE of rats in a dose-dependent manner,whose effect might be related to the decreased expression of ICAM-1 and increased expression of TGF-β1.