Abstract： Objective To explore the role of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) in the regulation of inflammatory response induced by open abdominal wound coupled with artificial seawater immersion in rats. Methods Male healthy Wistar rats of clean grade were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15): the EPO pretreatment group, the control group, the low-dose EPO treatment group and the highdose EPO treatment group. An animal model of acute stress - induced inflammatory lesion was developed by open abdominal wounds coupled with artificial seawater immersion. Concentrations of creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, TNF-α, IL-6, inflammatory mediators C3α, serum high- sensitivity C-reactive protein and serum immunoglobulin IgA were monitored. And comparisons were made for the differences in those observed indicators between the EPO pretreatment group, the control group, the low and high dose EPO treatment groups. Results Acute inflammatory responses induced by open abdominal wounds coupled with 3-h seawater immersion were observed in rats of each group. Statistical differences could be seen in creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, TNF-α, IL-6, inflammatory mediators C3a,serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum immunoglobulin IgA and other indicators between the EPO pretreatment group and the control group (P <0. 05). No significant differences were noted in those variables between the high-dose EPO treatment group and the low - dose EPO treatment group (P > 0. 05). Conclusions Erythropoietin (EPO) could regulate inflammatory responses and decrease inflammatory lesion induced by open abdominal wounds combined with seawater immersion in rats.