2008 Volume 48 Issue 7 Pages 631-636
The author reviewed the effects of stress on core body temperature (Tc) in homeotherms. Numerous types of acute stress were shown to induce transient increases in Tc in rats and mice. The mechanisms of stress-induced hyperthermia differ from that of fever, where proinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E_2 play crucial roles. In rats that were repeatedly exposed to psychological stress such as communication box stress for weeks, Tc increased to levels higher than that of non-stressed rats in both light and dark phases. In contrast, strong immobilization stress decreased Tc. Based on findings in animal studies, the author discussed the mechanisms of psychogenic fever and anti-pyretic drugs-resistant low-grade fever that developed under stressful conditions in humans.
