Objective To observe sulfhydryl compound variation in the injury of pancreatic cells and the effects of external sulfhydryl compounds on cytoprotection.Methods Male Wistar mice were divided randomly into three groups: groups A and B served as animal models (retrograde duct infusion with 5% sodium taurocholate), in group A, 45 animals were treated with normal saline therapy, in group B, 45 aminals were treated with Tiopronin therapy; and group C, 15 animals, were designated as normal control. Animals were killed at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h, and pancreatic tissue was analyzed for total sulfhydryl (TSH), nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathology, serum amylase (Sam) and C reactive protein (CRP) were assessed as well.Results Levels of Sam and CRP increased in both group A and group B, with corresponding pathological changes of acute nerotic pancreatitis (ANP). Levels of TSH, NPSH and protein sulfhydryl (PSH) in group A decreased markedly during pancreatitis (P