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Relationship of trace metals to fever during infection: are prostaglandins involved?
Abstract:
Endogenous pyrogen/leukocyte endogenous mediator (EP/LEM) induces, in the host organism, a fever that is thought to be mediated to some extent via the production of prostaglandins. The role of prostaglandins in the EP/LEM-induced fall in plasma iron and zinc is less clear. To study this relationship, rabbits and rats were injected with an antipyretic dose of prostaglandin synthase inhibitors concurrent with heat-killed bacteria or endotoxin. These inhibitors, indomethacin and sodium salicylate, were successful in partially and totally blocking fever in rabbits and rats, respectively; however, they had no effect on the hypoferremia and hypozincemia of infection. We conclude that prostaglandins are probably not involved in the fall in plasma iron and zinc during acute bacterial infection. Further, since hypoferremia and hypozincemia occurred even though fever was blocked, the fall in trace metals due to infection is not dependent on the rise in both temperature.
Insights
Prostaglandins do not cause the drop in iron and zinc levels during infection. Blocking fever with inhibitors did not prevent hypoferremia and hypozincemia, indicating these trace metal changes are independent of temperature increase.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Endogenous pyrogen/leukocyte endogenous mediator (EP/LEM) induces fever, potentially via prostaglandins.
- The role of prostaglandins in EP/LEM-induced hypoferremia and hypozincemia is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prostaglandins in the reduction of plasma iron and zinc during acute bacterial infection.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits and rats were administered prostaglandin synthase inhibitors (indomethacin, sodium salicylate) alongside heat-killed bacteria or endotoxin.
- Fever, hypoferremia, and hypozincemia were monitored.
Main Results:
- Prostaglandin synthase inhibitors partially or totally blocked fever in rabbits and rats, respectively.
- These inhibitors did not affect the development of hypoferremia and hypozincemia.
Conclusions:
- Prostaglandins are likely not involved in the fall of plasma iron and zinc during acute bacterial infection.
- The reduction in trace metals during infection is independent of the fever response.