ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of nuclear factorκB (NFκB) on tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) expression in the liver and its role in liver injury in rats with acute pancreatitis.MethodsSeventytwo Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: acute pancreatitis group (AP), acute pancreatitis treated with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group (APP) and sham operation group (SO). The hepatic NFκB activities were determined with electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The expressions of hepatic TNFα mRNA were detected with RTPCR. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also measured.ResultsThe NFκB activities were significantly higher in AP and APP groups than those in SO group 3-6 hours after operation. The expressions of TNFα mRNA were ber in AP and APP groups than those in SO group 3-24 hours after operation. The levels of serum ALT were also significantly higher in these two groups than those in SO group 3-24 hours after operation. However, compared with AP group, the activities of NFκB, the expressions of TNFα mRNA and the levels of ALT significantly decreased in APP group.ConclusionThe activation of hepatic NFκB is associated with the liver injury by regulating TNFα mRNA expression in acute pancreatitis.