Effects of dipyrone on endotoxin-induced fever, central nervous depression and hypoglycaemia in sheep.

Sixteen sheep were divided into four groups and were given saline, Escherichia coli endotoxin at 35 micrograms/kg0.75, dipyrone at 88 mg/kg0.75, or endotoxin and dipyrone intravenously. Plasma glucose concentrations, rectal temperature and depression of central nervous function were assessed at hourly intervals for 10 h and again at 24 h. Dipyrone had no effect on normal sheep but in sheep given endotoxin, it blocked the febrile response and partially blocked the depression effect upon the central nervous system without affecting the hypoglycaemic response.