Introduction: Studies have revealed that emodin is a potent agent in the management of clinical and experimental acute
pancreatitis,
but the molecular mechanisms by which emodin produces its biologic effects remain unknown. Objectives: To investigate mechanisms of the Chinese herb emodin in
acute necrotic pancreatitis of rats during systemic inflammatory response syndrome by analyzing the changes of the plasma level of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), TNF-α, IL-10. Methods: SD rats were divided into four groups randomly: normal control group, ANP(acute necrotic
Pancreatitis) model without emodin treatment group and ANP model with emodin treatment group. Acute necrotic pancreatitis was induced by injection of 3% sodium taurocholic acid into the subcapsular of pancreas. Emodin (5mg/kg and 25mg/kg) was administered by injecting into the intestines. Rats were killed at 12, 24 and 48 hours after the operation. Plasm amylase was measured by means of enzymatic assay with spectrophotometer. The plasma level of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 were evaluated by radioimmunoassay at 12, 24 and 48 hours following acute necrotic pancreatitis. Results: The plasma amylase decreased significantly in the emodin-treated group in comparison with non-treated group. The plasma level of IL-1βand TNF-α were decreased significantly in the emodin-treated group(25mg/kg) in comparison with non-treated group. IL-10 was increased significantly in the emodin-treated group in comparison with non-treated group. Conclusion: The Chinese herb emodin can ameliorate the systemic inflammatory response during acute necrotic pancreatitis. The mechanisms might be ascribed to its negative modulation of IL-1β, TNF-αand up-regulation of IL-10 .