Abstract:Objective：To observe the effect of kansui root on the change of nuclear factor-κB activity in pancreas in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)，and to explore the mechanism of kansui root in treating SAP. Methods：SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:sham group (S group),severe acute pancreatitis group (SAP group)and kansui root therapy group (K group).40 rats were in each group.The blood samples and tissue samples of each group were obtained at 2h,6h,12h and 24h after the operation respectively for the following tests: serum amylase,expression of NF-κB/p65 protein in pancreatic tissue nucleus by Western blot,morphological examination of pancreas, and 72h mortality after operation. Results：(1)serum amylase:the levels in SAP group were obviously higher than those in S group at 2h,6h,12h and 24h (P<0.01).The levels in K group were significantly lower than those in SAP group (P<0.01) at each time point except at 2h, but were significantly higher than those in S group (P<0.01).(2) Expression of NF-κB/p65 protein in nucleus: the expressions were extremely weak in S group; but the expressions in SAP group were obviously stronger than those in S group at 2h,6h and 12h (P<0.01); the expression in K group was significantly lower at 6h,12h than those in SAP group(P<0.01). (3)Microscopy: structures of pancreas were normal in S group;hemorrhage, necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in pancreatic tissue in SAP group; the injury in K group was milder than that in SAP group. (4)72h mortality: In S group mortality was 0%;in K group was 12.5%,both were significantly lower than that in SAP group(62.5%)(P<0.05). Conclusions：There was activation of NF-κB during the development of SAP, and kansui root can inhibit the activity of NF -κB in pancreas .It might be one of the mechanisms of kansui root in treating SAP.