Objective To investigate the effect of VIP on gut barrier function in rats with acute neerotizing panereatitis (ANP). Methods Fifty four SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operated (SO) group,ANP group and VIP group. Each group was subdivided into 1h, 6h and 12h subgroup after the models were established and each subgroup had 6 rats. The models of ANP were indueed by retrograde injection of 4% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duet. VIP group was induced by 5 nmol VIP intraperitoneal injection within 5 minutes after the establishment of ANP model. The serum VIP and intestinal homogenate VIP were detected with ELISA. The serum endotoxin was tested by MB-80 microbes dynamic detecting system. The expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 mRNA in gut mncosa were determined by RT-PCR.Intestinal samples were harvested for pathological examination. Results The intestinal structure was significantly damaged in ANP group, and the extent of pathological changes were ameliorated in VIP group.The serum and intestinal homogenate VIP levels 6h after the establishment of ANP model were (49. 582 ±3. 735) pg/ml and (87. 731 ±4.601 ) pg/g pro, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of SO group (P ＜ 0.05 ). 12 h after the establishment of SAP model, the serum and intestinal homogenate VIP levels in ANP group were (65. 192 ± 5. 785) pg/ml and ( 110. 978 ± 6. 420) pg/g pro, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of SO group. The serum endotoxin, expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 mRNA in gut mucosa were(29.570 4-5.127)pg/ml,0.861 ±0.081,1.150 ±0.187 and 0.786±O.102,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of SO group(P＜0.05).The serum endotoxin,expression of TNF-α,IL-6 in gut mucosa in VIP group 6h after establishment of ANP model were(20.486 ±2.81 1)pg/ml,0.707±0.095 and 0.889±0.136,respectively,which were significantly lower than those of ANP group(P＜0.05).The expression of IL-10 mRNA in VIP group was 0.992 ±0.126,which was significantly higher than that of ANP group(P＜0.05).Conclusions VIP had significant protective effects on gut barrier function in rats with ANP.