The effect of 6-hydroxydopamine pretreatment on the metabolic response produced by endotoxin in rabbits.

The thermoregulatory, effector processes were investigated in rabbits after treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and lipopolysaccharide Escherichia coli (LPS). Pyrogen (1 microgram/kg, i.v.) produced a fever reaction resulting from stimulation of the metabolic rate and heat conservation responses. Pretreatment with 6-OHDA (3 X 500 micrograms, i.c.v.) reduced the metabolic as well as pyretic activity of pyrogen. It is suggested that stimulation of the thermoregulatory heat production which contributes to the febrile rise in body temperature is dependent on the intact adrenergic structures in the central nervous system.