OBJECTIVETo study the proteomic change in lymphocytes of rabbits with scald injury and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) invasion.

METHODSTwenty-four rabbits were divided into four groups as follows: control group, scald group, scald with SA invasion 2 hs group, and scald with SA invasion 6 hs group, according to random number table, with 6 rabbits in each group. Except for rabbits in control group (sham scald at 37 degrees C), rabbits in the other 3 groups were subjected to 30% TBSA full-thickness scald. Rabbits in SA invasion 2 and 6 hs groups were injected with 2 mL (1.0 x 10(8) CFU/mL) SA suspension, which was in the log growth phase, via auricle vein 18 hs and 22 hs after injury. Whole blood samples were collected from carotid artery of rabbits in 4 groups 24 hs after scald. Lymphocytes were isolated and its extracted proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectroscopy.

RESULTSAbout 1030 protein spots of lymphocytes were detected in each group. Compared with that of control group, 19 protein spots were found to be differentially expressed in the other 3 groups, and 11 spots (10 proteins) were identified. Expression levels of cofilin, cyclophilin A, ubiquitin, nucleoside diphosphate kinase, glutamate dehydrogenase and annexin 1 were down-regulated, but expression level of peroxiredoxin was up-regulated obviously.

CONCLUSIONSThere is obvious proteomic change in lymphocytes of scalded rabbits or of scalded rabbits invaded by SA, and it may relate to immune suppression and sepsis after injury.