Effects of rhubarb on inflammatory reactions of rats wiht acute pancreatitis

Objective: To explore te roles of IL-1 and TNF-α in acute pancreatitis and investigate the curative effects of rhubarb on AEP.Methods: A total of 120 rats were randomized into the sham operated group,control group, rhubarb fed group and rhubarb abdominal lavaged group. The model of AEPwas established by retrograde injection of 1.5% sodium taurocholate solution into te biliopancreatic duct then blood and ascites samples were collected at the 24th,48th,72nd h after AEP to measre the levels of IL-1,TNF-α and amylase in them. Results The levels of IL-1,TNF-α and amylase in the control group were significantly higher than in the sham operated grorp.While in the rhubarb fed grorp and rhbarb abdominal lavaged group,the above index is distinctively lower Conclusions IL-1 and TNF-α might be involved in pathogenesis of AEP.Rhubarb reducing the levels of IL-1 and TNF-α may a mechanism in treating acute pancreatitis