The Influence of HIF-1α Expression on Apoptosis and Number of T Lymphocyte in Peyer’s Patches after Burn with Delayed Fluid Resuscitation in Rats at Plateau

Objective: To research the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) on the apoptosis and number of T lymphocyte in Peyer’s patches after severe burn on plateau in rats. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 130) were subjected to deep thickness burn injury (30% TBSA, III degree), at two different altitudes. 60 of them were given delayed fluid resuscitation (DFR, n = 30 at each altitude) 6 h after burn at different altitude; 60 of them were carried out immediate fluid resuscitation (IFR, n = 30 at each altitude); 10 rats were subjected to 37 ̊C warm water as sham burn (SG, n = 10). The Peyer’s patches were harvested from the ileum of rats at different time point after burn respectively. The expression of HIF-1 alpha, CD3(+) and the apoptosis and number of T lymphocyte in Peyer’s patches were detected by tissue microarray technology and immunohistochemistry. Results: The apoptosis was higher in DFR group than that in IFR group. The increase in HIF-1 alpha expression was observed mainly on cell nucleus in T lymphocytes. The expression levels of HIF-1 alpha in Peyer’s patches were much higher in DFR group and IFR group than those in SG, and they were higher at high altitude (3848 metres) than those at lower altitude (1517 metres), and also higher in DFR group compared with IFR group (all P < 0.05). The expression levels of CD3 in Peyer’s patches were much lower in DFR group and IFR group than those in sham group, and the lowest value appeared at 12 hours after burn (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: High expression of HIF-1 alpha may induce the apoptosis of T lymphocytes in Peyer’s patches after severe burn with delayed fluid resuscitation in rats at plateau.