How Fever Is Initiated
Author Information
Author(s): Steiner Alexandre A, Ivanov Andrei I, Serrats Jordi, Hosokawa Hiroshi, Phayre Allison N, Robbins Jared R, Roberts Jennifer L, Kobayashi Shigeo, Matsumura Kiyoshi, Sawchenko Paul E, Romanovsky Andrej A
Primary Institution: Systemic Inflammation Laboratory, Trauma Research, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
Hypothesis
The first phase of fever is triggered by peripherally produced PGE2.
Conclusion
Fever is initiated by circulating PGE2 synthesized by macrophages in the lung and liver.
Supporting Evidence
- PGE2 synthesis is activated in the lung and liver at the onset of fever.
- Macrophages are the primary cells producing PGE2 during the first phase of fever.
- Neutralization of circulating PGE2 delays and attenuates LPS fever.
Takeaway
When you get a fever, it's partly because your body makes a chemical called PGE2 in your lungs and liver, which tells your brain to raise your temperature.
Methodology
The study involved infusing PGE2 in rats and measuring temperature changes and PGE2 levels in blood.
Limitations
The study did not investigate the role of PGE2 produced at the blood-brain barrier.
Participant Demographics
Male Long-Evans rats weighing 300–400 g.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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