Observations on the effect of salicylate in fever and the regulation of body temperature against cold

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Abstract
Prostaglandins appear to be mediators, within the hypothalamus, of heat production and conservation during fever. A possible role of prostaglandins was studied in the nonfebrile rabbit during thermoregulation in the cold. Shorn rabbits were placed in an environment of 20.degree. C, and rectal and ear skin temperatures, shivering and respiratory rates were measured. A continuous i.v. infusion of leukocyte pyrogen was given to establish a constant fever of approximately 1.degree. C, and after observation of a stable febrile temperature for 90 min, a single injection of 300 mg of sodium salicylate, followed by a 1.5 mg/min infusion was then given. After the salicylate infusion was begun, rectal temperature began to fall, and reached nonfebrile levels within 90 min. Shivering activity ceased, respiratory rates increased, and in 2 animals, ear skin temperature increased. When these same rabbits were placed in an environment of 10.degree. C, at a time they were not febrile, and an identical amount of salicylate was given, rectal and ear skin temperatures, shivering and respiratory rates did not change. Prostaglandins did not appear to be involved in heat production and conservation in the nonfebrile rabbit.

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