RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the expression of NF-kappaB and ICAM-1 in the gas explosion wounded lung of rats and the relationship.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Digoxin 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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The injury of gas explosion can activate NF-kappaB, which has close correlation with the acute injury to lung.</p>