Objective: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shenfu injection on myocardium in rats with severe acute pancreatitis. Method: Totally 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:Sham operation group

model group

ulinastatin (2×104 U · kg-1) group and Shenfu injection groups (3

1.5

0.75 g · kg-1). The models of severe acute pancreatitis were established by retrograde cholangiopancreatic injection of 5% sodium taurocholate solution. Three hours after modeling

the normal saline

ulinastatin and Shenfu injection were respectively given by tail vein injection. After 6 hours

the pathological changes of pancreas and myocardium were observed; the expression of Na+-K+-ATPase activity was detected; and the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rat cardiomyocytes were detected by Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Result: As compared with the sham operation group

the pancreatic and myocardial injuries were severe and pathological score was significantly increased in model group (P<0.05); the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase was significantly decreased (P<0.05)

and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased (P<0.05). As compared with the model group

the pancreatic and cardiac pathological scores were significantly decreased in Ulinastatin group and Shenfu injection groups (P<0.05); the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase in the myocardium was significantly increased and the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly decreased in Shenfu injection group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Shenfu injection may improve the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase in myocardial cells and decrease the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in myocardium to protect the myocardium.