Objective To explore the expression and effect of heme oxygenase-1 ( HO-1) in ventilator-induced lung injury. Methods Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups, ie. a conventional ventilation + PEEP group( C group) , a ventilator-induced lung injury group( VILI group) , and a VILI + HO-1 inducer hemin group( Hm group) .Western blot and immunohistochemistry assay were used to investigate the expression of HO-1 protein. Blood gas analysis, lung wet /dry ratio, lunghistopathology and lung injury score were used to evaluate lung injury. Results HO-1 protein expression significantly increased in the VILI group compared with the C group. HO-1 was found mainly in alveolar epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells, as well as in alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. Compared with the VILI group, HO-1 protein and PaO2 /FiO2 increased, while lung wet/dry ratio and lung injury score decreased in the Hmgroup significantly( P lt;0. 05) . Conclusion High HO-1 expression can alleviate lung injury from large tidal volume ventilation, implying its protective role in lung pathogenesis.