[Changes of brain p38 MAPK in rabbits with craniocerebral gunshot injury in hot and humid environment].

Objective: To study the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the brain of rabbits after craniocerebral gunshot injury in a hot and humid environment (HHE) and explore its possible mechanism.

Methods: Craniocerebral gunshot injury model was established in 30 New Zealand white rabbits, which were subsequently exposed to environment of normal temperature (at 22.0% +/- 0.5 degrees C; with relative humidity of 50%) or HHE at 39.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C; with relative humidity of 80%-85% for 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, 1.5 h, and 2 h groups, respectively, with 5 rabbits in each group. p38 MAPK activity in the brain tissues of the rabbits following the injury and environmental exposure were detected by Western blotting and analyzed semi-quantitatively by Bio-Profil gel image analysis system.

Results: p38 MAPK activity in the cortex and hypothalamus was significantly elevated following gunshot injury and HHE exposure, reaching the peak level at 1 h of HHE exposure and then decreased. p38 MAPK activity was significantly higher in the hypothalamus than in the cortex.

Conclusion: p38 MAPK activity increases in the early stage following craniocerebral gunshot injury and HHE exposure in rabbits, the mechanism of which might involve the secondary brain insult.