[Gene expression of lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in rats after thermal injury].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate changes in lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene expression in vital organs, and their significance in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation after burns.


METHODS
Wistar rats were subjected to a 35 percent full-thickness scald injury, then sacrificed pre-burn, and postburn 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, respectively. Tissue samples from liver, kidney, lung and intestine were collected to measure CD14 and TNF-alpha mRNA expression. Peritoneal macrophages were harvested by peritoneal lavage to determine CD14 mRNA expression.


RESULTS
CD14 mRNA expression increased markedly after thermal injury, peaking at both 12 and 48 hours. Likewise, CD14 mRNA levels were significantly up-regulated in peritoneal macrophages. Gene expression of TNF-alpha elevated markedly in liver, lungs, and kidneys after acute insults. Positive correlation was found between CD14 mRNA and TNF-alpha mRNA in liver, lung, and kidney tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
Thermal injury per se can markedly up-regulate both CD14 and TNF-alpha gene expression in various organs. Excessive CD14 mRNA expression may enhance synthesis and release of TNF-alpha stimulated by endotoxin translocation, and the interaction between CD14 and TNF-alpha may play an important role in mediating multiple organ damage secondary to major burns.
Fang
W
W
Trauma Research Center, 304th Hospital, People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100037.
Yao
Y
Y
Shi
Z
Z
Yu
Y
Y
Wu
Y
Y
Lu
L
L
Chang
G
G
Sheng
Z
Z
D000818:Animals; D002056:Burns / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015870:Gene Expression; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha