Abstract: Objective To investigate the changes of iron content in serum and liver, ferritin content in serum, percentage of myeloperoxidase（MPO） positive granulocyte in rabbits after different serious trauma and to explore the relationship between these changes and multiple organ failure（MOF）. Methods Rabbit trauma models were established. Iron content in serum and liver, ferritin content in serum and the percentage of MPO positive granulocyte were measured at different time after trauma. Results After trauma, iron content in serum decreased sharply in early period （12-36 h） and increased gradually to normal level in mild traumatic group after 60 h. Iron content in serum remained lower level in severe traumatic and death group 60 h after trauma. Iron content in liver obviously increased in death group. The changes of ferritin content in serum in mild traumatic were not obvious. Ferritin contents in serum in severe injury group and death group were slightly higher in early period and decreased in later period. The percentage of MPO positive granulocyte increased in early period after trauma. The percentage began to decrease 6 d after trauma and returned to normal level in mild traumatic group. The percentage obviously was significantly lower than normal levels in severe traumatic group and death group 6 d after trauma. Some rabbits died 60 h-6 d after severe trauma, and the pathological changes in the other organs were consistent with MOF. Conclusion Trauma can cause the serum iron, ferritin levels and percentage of MPO positive granulocyte changes. Severe trauma can cause uncompensated changes of these indicators, which could be the main mechanisms of MOF and death.

Key words: forensic pathology, wounds and injuries, iron, ferritins, multiple organ failure, rabbits