OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of NF-kappaB and ICAM-1 in the gas explosion wounded lung of rats and the relationship.

METHODSDigoxin labeled NF-kappaB was used as probe. In situ hybridization was performed to detect the NF-kappaB mRNA. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of NF-kappaB and ICAM-1.

RESULTSThe levels of NF-kappaB mRNA, the expression of NF-kappaB and ICAM-1 in the wounded rats were significantly increased and reached their peak two hours after injury. Pathology of lung tissue showed that some crachea epithelium mucosae were desquamated; congestion, edema of trachea wall and infiltration of neutrophilic granulocytes were found; hemorrhage, edema and infiltration of lots of inflammatory cells were present in alveolus cells. Electron microscope showed that type I, especially type II alveolus epithelia had degeneration and desquamation.

CONCLUSIONThe injury of gas explosion can activate NF-kappaB, which has close correlation with the acute injury to lung.

Animals ; Blast Injuries ; metabolism ; pathology ; Explosions ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; NF-kappa B ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley