OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of mifepristone on the expression of inflammatory factors in endometriosis (Ems) model rats. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), mifepristone low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [0.65, 1.30, 2.60 mg/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Except for normal group, Ems model was induced in other groups, and they were given relevant medicine intragastrically for consecutive 4 weeks. The volume of the ectopic focus was compared before and after treatment. The serum contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 were detected by ELISA method. The phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the expression of COX-2 and PGE2 were detected by Western blot. The expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA in ectopic focus was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, the volume of the ectopic focus, the serum contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, the expression of COX-2 and PGE2 protein, the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA in ectopic focus were increased in model group (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the volume of the ectopic focus, the serum contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, the expression of COX-2 and PGE2 protein, the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA in ectopic focus were decreased in mifepristone groups (P<0.01), in dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Mifepristone can reduce the volume of the Ems ectopic focus, via blocking NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the expression of inflammatory factors.