To investigate the dynamic changes in ICE mRNA expression and its relationship with IL 18 and IFN ? mRNA expression in thermal injured rats.The animals were subjected to a 30% total body surface area full thickness thermal injury,and fluid resuscitation was performed at 6 hours post burn. 54 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal controls,30% Ⅲ degree burn group,and selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) treatment group. P1asma endotoxin was measured by limulus amebocyte lysate test,and tissue ICE,IL 18 and IFN ? mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription po1ymerase chain reaction (RT PCR).The results showed that ICE, IL 18, and IFN ? mRNA expression significantly increased in the intestine,1ung,liver,and kidney at 2 hours,peaking at 8 hours,and a high level was maintained till 24 hours. However, treatment with SDD could lower plasma endotoxin levels,and markedly inhibit ICE, IL 18, and IFN ? mRNA expression in various organs.This study suggests that major burns can lead to a marked elevation of tissue ICE mRNA expression in vital organs,which might be associated with IL 18 and IFN ?mRNA expression induced by gut derived endotoxemia.

Objective To detect the changes of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in plasma of trauma patients and evaluate their value in early warning of organ dysfunction. Methods A prospective study was carried out in 54 trauma patients admitted in from March 2001 to September 2002, which were divided into low injury severity score(ISS) group (Group L-ISS) and high ISS group (Group H-ISS). ELISA was applied to measure the level of IL-18 of blood samples that were collected on arrival, at days 4, 7 and 14 following admission. In the meantime, IL-18 level of plasma samples from patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was retrospectively analyzed so as to calculate the critical value of IL-18 in predicting organ dysfunction. Results After trauma, IL-18 concentration of plasma reached peak at days 4 and 7, and decreased gradually at day 14, which was significantly related to SIRS, sepsis and MODS, respectively. The IL-18 level was high relatively in plasma from patients with organ dysfunction. The higher IL-18 level in plasma within seven days after trauma indicated the severer organ dysfunction. Conclusion IL-18 is sensitive in early warning of organ dysfunction after trauma.