Abstract: Objective To explore the mRNA expression of microtubule associated protein-2（MAP-2） after cerebral contusion, and to investigate its relationship with post-injury interval in a rat model of cerebral contusion. Methods Based on Feeney’s model of cerebral contusion, the time-dependent changes of MAP-2 mRNA were detected by real-time PCR method in different groups. Results MAP-2 mRNA showed a lower expression in the brain of the control group. The expression of MAP-2 mRNA decreased 1 h post-injury, and reached the lowest level at 6 h, and the expression of MAP-2 mRNA gradually increased in the focus of the cerebral contusion from 12 h to 14 d after contusion, which kept a high level up to 14 d post-injury. Conclusion The time-dependent changes of MAP-2 mRNA expression may be a new method for estimating the wound age of cerebral contusion in forensic practice.

Key words: forensic pathology, brain injuries, microtubule-associated proteins, rats