Objective: To examine the dynamic change of serum TNFalpha level in scalded rats after the administration of rhGH during the early postburn stage.
Methods: Forty-two male sanitary Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e. normal control (N), burn with early administration of rhGH (BA) and burn without rhGH (BN) groups. The rats were inflicted with 25% similar 30% TBSA deep partial thickness scalding on the back. rhGH in dose of 6 U/kg was administered subcutaneously via abdominal skin starting from the 1st postburn day (PBD). Rat serum TNFalpha levels were determined by ELISA in BA and BN groups at 3, 6 and 10 PBDs.
Results: The rat serum TNFalpha level in BA was lower than that in BN groups on 3 PBD. Whilst the TNFalpha levels in BA were much higher than those in BN groups on 6 and 10 PBDs.
Conclusion: Administration of rhGH at early postburn stage might abate the early systemic postburn reaction.