Central mechanisms of fever

Abstract

The possible role of various potential chemical mediators in the production of fever is reviewed. A major problem in this field is the very considerable conflict of evidence, let alone interpretation. On the existing evidence, it appears unlikely that monoamines, acetyl choline, or alterations in relative concentrations of sodium and calcium play any major role in the production of fever. Recent evidence makes it unlikely that prostaglandins have a direct role in this mechanism, though the involvement of other metabolites of arachidonic acid has not been excluded. It is possible that protein synthesis may play a part in the central action of leukocyte pyrogen.