Related Experiment Videos
Responses of baboons to traditionally pyrogenic agents
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Baboons develop fever in response to Staphylococcus aureus but not endotoxin. This suggests differences in pyrogen response and interleukin-1 synthesis between primates and other mammals.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Immunology
- Primate Research
Background:
- Fever response to pyrogens like endotoxin is well-documented in humans and nonprimates.
- The specific febrile response of baboons (Papio ursinus) to various pyrogens remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether baboons develop fever in response to endotoxin and other pyrogens.
- To compare baboon pyrogen response with that of humans and nonprimates.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of various pyrogens (Staphylococcus aureus, lipopolysaccharide, bovine serum albumin, Salmonella species) into 12 unrestrained baboons.
- Monitoring body temperature using intra-abdominal radiotelemeters.
- Measuring serum iron concentration.
Main Results:
- Baboons developed fever following injection of killed Staphylococcus aureus.
- No significant fever was observed after administration of lipopolysaccharide (Salmonella typhosa), bovine serum albumin, or killed Salmonella minnesota/typhi.
- A notable decrease in serum iron concentration occurred after S. aureus and high-dose lipopolysaccharide injection.
Conclusions:
- Baboons exhibit a febrile response to Staphylococcus aureus but not to endotoxin.
- The mechanism of interleukin-1 synthesis in response to pyrogens may differ in baboons and other primates compared to humans and nonprimates.