In this study, expression of a 60-kDa heat shock protein in rat pancreas was investigated before and after water-immersion stress, which has been known as an exacerbation factor of caerulein-induced pancreatitis in rats, by Western blot. 2. A 60-kDa heat shock protein increased after water-immersion stress in both soluble and insoluble fractions of the pancreas. 3. Serum amylase level and pancreas weight did not increase after water-immersion. 4. No pathologic alteration was observed in the pancreas after water-immersion.