Abstract: The transcription factor NF-κB which is involved in inflammation and cell survival is a critical regulator of hundreds of genes. It has been demonstrated that there is a connection between NF-κB and cerebral ischemia reperfusion. The activation of NF-κB in ischemia can be triggered by reactive oxygen species and several inflammatory mediators and is closely related to the release of IκB. Moreover, the NF-κB subunits of RelA and p50 are mainly responsible for the pernicious effect after cerebral ischemia reperfusion. Recently, the role of NF-κB on neurons has been widely investigated and the major studies have shed light on the pro- and anti-apoptotic function for NF-κB. Whether NF-κB promotes or inhibits apoptosis appears to depend on the stimulus, specific cell type and duration. Here, the available research for the role of NF-κB on neurons after cerebral ischemia reperfusion is reviewed.