To study the lipid peroxidation injury and the protecting effect of vitamin E emulsion on liver function following acute cholangitis. During the operation and 24 hours after operation, vitamin E emulsion or placebo emulsion was infused via mesenteric vein in rats suffering acute cholangitis. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the liver tissue and serum were measured at 48hrs after operation. Results: As compared with the placebo emulsion group, MDA and mGOT contents in the liver tissue and serum decreased significantly, but SOD activity increased dramatically in the VE emulsion group. ATP content in the infected lobe was much higher than those in the placebo emulsion group. Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of large dose of vitamin E emulsion may reduce the lipid peroxidation reaction in acute cholangitis, and have protecting effect.