Objective To investigate the potential roles of nucleotide -binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor in the pathogenesis of asthma.Methods Through rat asthma model,24 rats were randomly divided into three groups on average,named asthma group,control group and dexamethasone group.Expression levels of NOD1 and NOD2 mRNA were detected by Real -time PCR in lung tissues.Results The expression levels of NOD1 mRNA in the asthma group,control group and dexamethasone group were (0.62 ±0.34)RQ value,(1 .00 ± 0.00)RQ value,(0.65 ±0.33 )RQ value respectively.The levels of NOD1 mRNA in the asthma group was significantly lower than that in the control group(F =4.75,P <0.05 ),while there was no statistically significant difference of NOD1 mRNA level between the dexamethasone group and asthma group(P >0.05).Moreover,expression levels of NOD2 mRNA in the asthma group,control group and dexamethasone group were (0.92 ±0.32)RQ value, (1 .00 ±0.00)RQ value,(1 .50 ±0.56)RQ value,respectively.There was no statistically significant difference of NOD2 mRNA level between the asthma group and control group (P >0.05 ),but level of NOD2 mRNA in the dexamethasone group was significantly higher than that in the asthma group(F =5.64,P <0.01 ).And there was no significant correlation between level of NOD1 and NOD2 mRNA(r =0.1 5,P >0.05).Conclusion Expression of NOD -like receptor subtype was not at the same level,and their reaction to dexamethasone were different either.