Objective To study the protective effects of bcl-2 gene against lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in vitro. Methods The lungs of rabbits were harvested respectively and preserved according to the way of lung transplantation. Then the lungs were reperfused using an ex vivo model. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups: control group, 0.9%NaCl was given; group2, Ad/Lac Z and group 3, receiving Ad/s-bcl-2. Agents were given to the rabbits by continuous intravenous infusion 48 hours before operations. Results Ad/s-bcl-2 increased the contents of bcl-2 mRNA in lung tissue, increased lung tissue SOD contents, decreased lung tissue MDA contents, decreased PAP, improved lung edema, reduced incidence of apoptosis and improved lung histological manifestation. These indexes in the Ad/s-bcl-2 group were better than in the groups of 0.9%NaCl and Ad/LacZ. Conclusion The bcl-2 gene amy provide significant protective effects on ischemia-reperfusion injury of the lung.