Endotoxin shock: themoregulatory mechanisms

Endotoxins disrupt may of the body's regulatory mechanisms to an extent that may even lead to death. In rats, endotoxin shock is accompanied by an initial stage of hypotension while endotoxin levels are low. As endotoxin concentration in the body increases, the rat suffers an elevation of core body temperature accompanied by increased oxygen consumption. The rats are also observed to seek out cold temperatures as an effort to alleviate hypothermia.