[The change in CD14 mRNA expression in rats with scald injury and Staphylococcus aureus challenge].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential role and changes in CD14 in postburn Staphylococcus aureus sepsis.

METHODS

Wistar rats were subjected to a 20% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness thermal injury and followed by Staphylococcus aureus challenge. Plasma and tissue samples from liver, kidneys, lungs and heart were collected to determine endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) levels and CD14 mRNA expression.

RESULTS

It was found that after thermal injury combined with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, LPS levels in various tissues were markedly increased, peaking at 2 approximately 6 h (P < 0.05), then returned to baseline at 24 h. Plasma LPS level was also increased significantly at 2hrs after Staphylococcus aureus challenge compared with that in normal control animals (0.3056 EU/ml vs. 0.1250 EU/ml, P < 0.05). In addition, the intestinal diamine oxidase (DAO) activity decreased (P < 0.05). This indicated that the integrity of intestinal mucosa was damaged. Meanwhile, tissue CD14 mRNA expressions were up-regulated in all tissues (P < 0.05), especially in lungs.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that gut-originated LPS translocation and CD14 mRNA expression could be induced by thermal injury with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. The up-regulation of CD14 gene expression might be associated with the local endotoxin activation secondary to postburn sepsis.