Abstract: Objective To investigate the protective effect of mannitol therapy on the vital organs and explore the underlying
mechanisms in New Zealand rabbits with severe burn injury. Methods Twelve New Zealand rabbits with severe burn injury
(30% of TBSA) were randomized to receive fluid resuscitation with saline (control) or mannitol therapy starting at 1 h after the
injury. Serum and urine samples were collected before and at 1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after the injury for detection of TNF-α, IL-6,
ALT, AST, GGT, CK, CK-MB, BUN and Cr levels using sandwich ELISA. Results One hour after sever burn injury, the serum
levels of TNF-α and IL-6 began to increase along with ALT, AST, GGT, CK, CK-MB, BUN and Cr levels. Compared with control
group, the rabbits in mannitol group showed significantly higher 48 h urine excretion of TNF-α (145±8 vs 78±10 pg/ml, P<0.05)
and IL-6 (93±6 vs 40±8 pg/ml, P<0.05) but with lowered serum levels of TNF-α (0.62±0.02 vs 0.83±0.02 pg/ml, P<0.05) and IL-6
(0.45 ± 0.03 vs 0.56 ± 0.03 pg/ml, P<0.05) as well as lowered serum ALT, AST, GGT, CK, CK-MB, BUN and Cr levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion In rabbits with severe burn injury, mannitol therapy can decrease serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels early after the
injury to ameliorate potential functional impairment of the heart, liver and kidneys.