1. This review discusses factors contributing to acute joint inflammation, particularly sensory neuropeptides. 2. Mediators known to contribute importantly to the inflammatory process include cytokines, eicosanoids, complement and the kinin systems, histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine and sensory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). 3. The pro-inflammatory neurokinins, SP and CGRP, are present in nerves innervating joints and could significantly contribute to the increased vascular permeability and hyperaemia occurring in acute arthritis. 4. Although perhaps contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory joint disease, there is little evidence for involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in acute models of inflammation.