Antagonism of prostaglandin E1 and E2 fever by catecholamines.

Antagonism of PGE1 and PGE2 fever by catecholamines in adult fowls was studied by infusing these substances into the brain. PGE1 and PGE2, given into the third cerebral ventricle or into the hypothalamus, produced an immediate, intense and long-lasting increase in body temperature. Noradrenaline and alpha-methylnoradrenaline infused into the hypothalamus or into the third cerebral ventricle during the fever peak were able to antagonize it and to revert the hyperthermic effect into an hypothermic effect. The possible modes of action of PG's and relations with catecholaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus are discussed.