AIM: To elucidate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in pancreatic development of rat embryo.METHODS: The mRNAs of β-catenin, APC, cyclin D1 genes were amplified by means of semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) from embryonic pancreas in different periods and normal pancreas of rat, respectively. Protein expression of these genes in embryonic pancreas of E14.5-E18.5was examined by immunohistochemical method.RESULTS: In embryonic pancreas of E14.5, the transcript amplification of β-catenin and cyclinD1 genes was detected. In embryonic pancreas of E18.5, the transcription levels of β-catenin and cyclinD1 genes became much higher than in other periods. But in adult rat pancreas the transcription of cyclinD1 gene could not be observed. Only until E18.5, the transcript amplification of mRNA of APC gene could be detected.Surprisingly, the transcription level of APC gene became much higher in adult rat pancreas than in embryonic pancreas. By means of immunohistochemical staining,identical results were obtained to the above by RP-PCR,except for β-catenin protein in adult rat pancreas.CONCLUSION: Active Wnt/β-catenin signaling occursin rat embryonic pancreas and is probably important for pancreatic development and organ formation.