Objective:To observe the expressions of NALP3 inflammasome and IL-1β in rats with acute gouty arthritis, and discuss the effects and possible mechanism of fire needle on acute gouty arthritis. Methods75 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fire needle group, acupuncture group and colchicine group, 15 rats in each group. Except the normal group, the rat model was established by oteracil potassium combined with Coderre in the other groups. Each group was treated with the corresponding intervention. The samples were collected and recorded on the 1st, 4th and 7th day of treatment. The serum levels of NALP3 and IL-1β were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. The levels of NALP3 and IL-1β in synovium of joint were detected by immunohistochemistry.  Results:①On the 1st day of treatment, compared with the normal group, the levels of NALP3 inflammasome and IL-1β in synovium of joint in the model group, fire needle group, acupuncture group and colchicine group were increased, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).②On the 4th day of treatment, compared with the normal group, the serum levels of NALP3 inflammasome in the model group and acupuncture group were significantly increased, with statistically significant differences (P<0.01); and the serum IL-1β level was increased in the model group and acupuncture group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum expressions of IL-1β and NALP3 in the fire needle group and colchicine group were inhibited, with statistically significant differences (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expressions of IL-1β and NALP3 in synovium of joint in the fire needle group, acupuncture group and colchicine group were inhibited, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).③On the 7th day of treatment, compared with the normal group, the serum IL-1β level in the model group was still at a high level, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the serum IL-1β level was obviously decreased in the colchicine group with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The level of NALP3 inflammasome in all groups returned to normal level and no statistically significant differences were observed among groups (P>0.05).  Conclusion:The molecular mechanisms of fire needle in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis may be related to the inhibiting effects of fire needle on the activation of serum NALP3 inflammasome and the maturation and secretion of IL-1β.