The studies with the PTK inhibitors provide evidence that protein tyrosine phosphorylation is important in (i) modulation of nociceptive responses induced by peripheral k/c arthritis, (ii) induced NMDA NR1 subunit expression increases in the spinal cord, and (iii) NMDA NR1 subunit trafficking from the cell membrane to the nuclear membrane. This evidence concerns the gene PTK2B and arthritic joint disease.