Early increase of serum angiopoietin-2 are associated with early progression to death in experimental injury

► We examine the role of Ang-2 in the SIRS induced in a lethal injury animal model. ► We employ animals administered anesthesia, sham-operated and subject to injury ones. ► Serum Ang-2 at 4 h was greater among animals dying within 48 h after injury. ► That was also the case for systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures. ► Ang-2 contributes to SIRS in lethal injury via early haemodynamic instability.