Objective To evaluate the activity of the pancreatic tissue phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in acute pancreatitis (AP) and the therapeutic effects of verapamil in rats. MethodsThe model of rat AP induced by a closed duodenal loop technique was established to observe the changes of PLA2 activity in AP group and treated group. The pancreatic histology was examined by light and electron microscopy. Results At 16 and 24 hours after induction of AP in rats, significant inhibition of the pancreatic tissue PLA2 activity was shown in the treated group as compared with AP group, with 32.34±3.87u, 35.26±4.52u and 44.83±5.31u, 47.77±5.86u respectively. The treated animals also showed a decrease in the severity of pancreatic hemorrhage, necrosis and damage to the cellular ultrastructures. Conclusion There exists high activity of PLA2 in rats AP. Calcium channel blocker, verapamil might take therapeutic effects on AP by inhibiting activity of PLA2.