【Abstrct】Backgroud N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a kind of gating ionic glutamate receptors composed of seven subunits,including NR1,NR2(A,B,C and D) and NR3(A,B) . It has been found that NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor plays an important role in the formation of central pain sensitization and in the pathogenesis and treatment of neuropathic pain. Objective Combined with literature,we summarize the research, development and the role of NR2B subunit in the neuropathic pain. Content This paper describes the structure and function of NMDA receptor NR2B subunit,its central distribution and the role in the neuropathic pain ,the analgesic action of NR2B selectivity antagonists.Trend NMDA receptor NR2B subunit has close relationship with neuropathic pain and NR2B subunit is expected to become important targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain.