In the pathogenesis of fever, pyrogenic cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF act on the hypothalamus through local production of which final mediator that resets the thermoregulatory set point?
- A Prostaglandin E2 ✓
- B Bradykinin
- C Leukotriene B4
- D Nitric oxide
Correct answer: A. Prostaglandin E2
Explanation
IL-1, TNF, IL-6 and other pyrogenic cytokines induce cyclooxygenase-derived prostaglandin E2 in hypothalamic vascular endothelium, which acts on the preoptic area to raise the set point, producing fever. This explains why NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are antipyretics. Bradykinin mediates pain, leukotriene A4 is a chemoattractant, and nitric oxide causes vasodilation but does not reset the thermal set point.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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