In isolated rat pancreatic acini, protein expression of RhoA and Rho-associated kinase, ROCK-II, and the formation of immunocomplex of RhoA with ROCK-II were enhanced by CCK-8, carbachol, and the phorbol ester TPA. The ROCK-specific inhibitor, Y-27632, did not alter basal amylase secretion, whereas it potentiated CCK-stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion in vitro. During caerulein-induced pancreatitis occurring in mice in vivo, Y-27632 enhanced serum amylase levels and the formation of interstitial edema and vacuolization at 12-18 h after the first injection of caerulein. Y-27632 in turn inhibited the recovery of protein expression of ROCK-II at IS h after the first caerulein injection. These results suggest that RhoA and ROCK-II assemble normal CCK-stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion and prevent caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.