Objective To evaluate the role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in acute pancreatitis. Methods Thirty mongrel dogs were divided into three groups based on the severity: acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP) group (n＝11), acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis (AHNP) group (n＝12), and control group (n＝7). Serum level of IL-10 was determined with enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). Results Within 24 hours, AEP group had serum level of IL-10 significantly higher than that of AHNP group. Control group had no detectable serum IL-10. No significant difference was observed between AEP group and AHNP group at 48 hours. Conclusion The finding of low values of serum IL-10 suggests that there may be more consumption in AHNP group than in AEP group and it may be beneficial to decrease the severity of experimental acute pancreatitis.