Abstract: Objective: To investigate the dynamic changes of ICE mRNA expression and the relationship between ICE mRNA and IL 18-FasL in thermal injured rats after delayed resuscitation..Methods: The animals were subjected to a 30%total body surface area full thickness thermal injury,fluid resuscitation were performed at 6 hours post burns 54 male Wistar were randomly divided into three groups: normal controls,30% Ⅲ injury group,and selective decontamination of the digestive tract （SDD）treatment group Tissue ICE- IL 18- FasL mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription po1ymerase chain reaction （RT PCR）..Results: ICE-IL 18-FasL mRNA expression significantly increased at 2 hours,peaking at 8 hours,and a high level was maintained till 24 hours.However, treatment with SDD could markedly inhibit ICE-IL 18-FasL mRNA expression in various organs.In addition, positive correlation between ICE mRNA and IL 18-FasL mRNA expression were noted（r=0.736～0.864, P＜0 01）..Conclusion: This study suggests that major burns can lead to a marked elevation of tissue ICE mRNA expression in vital organs,which might be associated with IL 18-FasL mRNA expression.