Expression of heme oxygenase-1 in the lung and liver tissues in a rat model of burns

To investigate the functional significance of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 as having anti-oxidant activity in burns, a rat model of 30% burns was prepared, and the lungs and livers were extirpated for immunohistological examination (indirect immunoenzyme techniques). Plasma TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the burn group than in the control group, but there was no significant difference in total bilirubin levels between the groups. HO-1 expression was found histologically in the perivascular cells of the lung and liver. It was also found, though only at low levels, in liver parenchymal cells. These results suggest that HO-1 is expressed in the lung and liver tissues in a rat model of burns.