Arginine vasopressin and endogenous antipyresis: evidence and significance.

A central nervous system pathway appears to exist that can suppress fevers in near-term females and their newborn, as indicated by sheep and guinea pig experiments. This same fever-modulating pathway may control febrile rises in body temperature under normal circumstances. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) may function as a neurotransmitter in this pathway, and evidence for such a role is presented. The significance of a system that negatively modulates fever is discussed from the point of view of the near-term female and newborn, and from the point of view of the normal control of fever.