THE EFFECT OF DOXAZOSIN, URAPIDIL AND INDORAMIN PRETREATMENT ON FEVER PRODUCED BY ESCHERICHIA-COLI LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE IN RABBITS

1. Thermal responses to i.v. administration of doxazosin (0.75 or 1.50 mg/kg), urapidil (5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg), or indoramin (0.75 or 1.50 mg/kg) were investigated in febrile rabbits (treated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide) at an ambient temperature of 19 +/- 1-degrees-C. 2. All these alpha-1-adrenoceptor blockers produced statistically significant antipyresis which developed as a result of inhibition of metabolic heat production and/or stimulation of heat elimination from the ear skin area or respiratory tract. 3. It appears that the antipyretic effect is a general feature of alpha-1-adrenergic receptor blockers. The possible mechanisms by which antipyresis is produced are being considered.