Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of emodin on apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells in rats with acute pancreatitis.Methods: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into control group,acute necrotizing pancreatitis(ANP) group,and emodin group.5% sodium dexycholate was injected into the intrapancreatobiliary duct to establish acute pancreatitis models and emodin was injected intraperitonealy to induce pancreatic acinar cell apoptosis.The changes of serum amylase,interlukin-6 and apoptosis index were observed.Results: The level of serum amylase and interlukin-6 was lower in the emodin group than that in the ANP(P<0.01).Apoptosis index was higher in the emodin group than that in the ANP (P<0.01).Conclusions: Emodin can induce pancreatic acinar cell apoptosis,decrease the level of amylase and interlukin-6,and relieve the hemorrhage and necrosis of pancreas.