Abstract: Objective To investigate the process of apoptosis in lungs and liver induced by crushing hindlimbs of rat, and study the mechanism of crush injury. Methods The rat experimental model of hindlimbs crush injury was established. The cell apoptosis in lungs and liver was detected by TUNEL assay, and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 apoptin was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the control group, the partial muscle injury of rat’s hindlimbs was more serious with more apoptosis observed in lungs and liver （P<0.05）. The expression of Bax was up-regulated and Bcl-2 was down-regulated, whereas caspase-3 expression was activated （P<0.05）. Conclusion The cell apoptosis has increased significantly in lungs and liver after crush injury of hindlimbs in rat. The correlation factor released during tissue injury may mediate apoptosis process.

Key words: forensic pathology, wounds and injuries, crush, apoptosis, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, rats