Thermoregulation and fever: A brief review

Abstract

Thermoregulation is a homeostatic mechanism that maintains the body temperature at a prime level. Fever is produced when thermoregulation is not attained due to some reasons and is characterized by elevated body temperature above the normal range, associated with increased pulse, aches, chills, tissue destructions, restlessness and other symptoms. When infectious stimuli meet the body, it increases pro-inflammatory cytokines and consequently increased production of prostaglandins that in turn stimulate hypothalamus to raise body temperature. Treatment of fever is done mainly by antipyretic drugs that could have control fever efficiently however have serious side effects. So, attempts are made to find alternative medical fields that could treat fever with least side effects.