The metabolic rate during the time course of salicylate antipyresis in the rabbit.

The processes concerned with the production and loss of body heat in sodium salicylate or acetylsalicylic acid antipyresis were investigated in adult rabbits at an ambient temperature of 21.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C. The experimental fever elicited by i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide Escherichia coli (1 microgram/kg) was accompanied by increases in O2 consumption and CO2 production as well as decreases in convective heat loss. Pretreatment with 200 mg/kg of sodium salicylate (an hour's i.v. infusion) or with the same dose of acetylsalicylic acid (per os) significantly reduced pyrogen fever but the magnitude of O2 consumption and CO2 production remained at least at the febrile level. In the case of sodium salicylate, the level was even exceeded. At the same time both salicylates activated heat dissipation as manifested by decreases in vasomotor tone and tachypnea. Thus, it is apparent that the antipyretic effect of salicylates may develop without the inhibition of heat production. Heat loss processes initiated by these drugs are responsible for the antipyresis.