There are no experimental models which mimic the most common causes of human acute pancreatitis, i.e. gallstones and alcohol abuse. However, existing models can reproduce the morphology and physiological derangements of certain phases of the illness. Current models have been useful in elucidating the earliest events involved in the initiation and progression of pancreatitis. However, very few animal studies demonstrate effective therapeutic intervention when treatment is given after the induction of experimental pancreatitis. Since immediate intervention is unachievable in human disease, most experimental therapies have not been successfully applied to clinical disease.