Abstract: Objective To explore the protective roles of Emodin in the intestinal mucosal lay of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and its mechanism. Methods SD rats (n=30) were divided into 3 groups: sham operation group, SAP group and Emodin group (SAP rats treated with Emodin). The SAP rat models were established via retrograde injection of 3% sodium taurocholate to pancreatic duct. Rats in Emodin group were peritoneally injected with Emodin (2.5 mg/100 g) at both 1 hour and 3 hour after sodium taurocholate injection. Apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cell was detected by TUNEL analy⁃ sis. The expression of glucose-regulated protein78 (GRP78) protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Com⁃ pared with sham operation group, apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells and the expression of GRP78 protein were increased significantly in SAP group（P＜0.05）. Emodin treatment reduced AP-induced mucosal intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis （P＜0.05）. But there is no significant difference of GRP78 expression between SAP group and Emodin group（P＞0.05）. Conclusion Emodin has a protective effect on intestinal layer in rats with SAP through inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. However, ER stress is not likely to be involved in this protective effect.

Key words: pancreatitis, acute necrotizing, acute disease, intestinal mucosa, Emodin, apoptosis, rats, Sprague-Dawley, severe acute pancreatitis, glucose-regulated protein78