Experimental animal models have been used to study pancreatitis for more than a century. Although they are not always closely related to the disease in humans, they have contributed greatly to our current understanding of the pathophysiology and cell biology of this disease. They have also become a standard means for testing new treatments of pancreatitis. The use of relevant animal models for the study of pancreatic cancer will help us clarify the process of pancreatic carcinogenesis and understand the effects of environmental and genetic elements on pancreatic cancer development, which will eventually contribute to prevention and treatment of this deadly disease. In this article, experimental animal models with acute and chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer are briefly reviewed considering the merits and demerits in use of experimental animal models. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2001;37:145-159)