Objective To summarize the role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and gut barrier dysfunction in recent years. Methods Literatures on cytokines and experimental pancreatitis as well as clinical pancreatitis were collected and reviewed. Results Tumor necrosis factor-α and other inflammatory cytokines were elevated significantly during pancreatitis in many tissues, especially in pancreas and alimentary tract, in a fashion independent of the animal model used. Anti-cytokine therapy could decrease the concentration of the cytokines in experimental animal. Conclusion Inflammatory cytokines are believed to be primarily responsible for the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and its associated distant organ dysfunction. Further study of the nature of these cytokines may provide a new approach to treating this disease.