AIM: To investigate the role of IFN-γ inducible protein -10 (Ip-10) and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) protein in acute pancreatic allograft rejection in rats.METHODS: An experimental pancreas transplantation model was established using diabetic SD rats as the recipient, induced by applying streptozocin (STZ).Pancreas transplantation was performed with a physiologic method of portal venous and enteric drainage. Rats were divided into two groups, isograft group (group A, n = 24) and allograft group (group B, n = 24) in which either healthy SD rats or Wistar rats served as donors, respectively. Twelve diabetic or healthy SD rats were used as controls. At d 1, 4, 7, and 10 post transplantation, serum IP-10 and RANTES were assessed by ELISA and their expression in the allografts was determined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: In group B (allograft group), the development of acute rejection was significantly correlated with increased serum concentration and tissue expression of IP-10 and RANTES, with a peak level at d 7 post transplantation. In contrast, there was no obvious change before and after transplantation in group A (isograft group).CONCLUSION: Our study suggests a possible role of IP-10 and RANTES in acute rejection and early monitoring of chemokines may be helpful in predicting the outcome of pancreas transplantation.