Objective:To investigate the role of NF-kB activation in the development of multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) during acute obstructive cholangitis (AOC) in rats.Methods:42 Wistar rats were divided into three groups:the AOC group

the group of bile duct ligation (BDL group)

and the sham operation group (SO group).All the animals were killed at 6th h or 48th h after operation.Morphological changes in vital organs were observed under light and electron microscope.NF-κB activation was determined with Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA).Arterial blood gas analysis was performed.Other parameters included the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

creatinine (Cr) and the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6.Results: The significant changesinhistology and ultrastructure of vitalorgans were observedin AOC group .By contrast

inBDLgroup

allthefeaturesoforgandamageweregreatlyreduced .NF -κBactivationinvarioustissues markedlyin creased in AOC group when comparedwith other two groups.Inaddition

there sults of bloodgasanalysis were obviously abnormalin AOC group

and there was asignificant difference between AOC an do the rgroups (P <0 .0 5 ) .Moreover

in AOC group

these rumlevels of LDH

ALT

BUN and Cr and the plasmalevels of TNF -αandIL - 6 were signifi cantly higher than those of other groups (P <0 . 0 5 ) .Conclusion :TheNF -κBactivation occursin manyvitalorgans during AOC

which is as so ciated with histopat hological changes an dorgan dy sfunction

so NF -κBact ivation may play an import antrole in the development of MOD duringAOC .