ABSTRACT
Fever is defined as “a state of elevated core temperature which is often, but not necessarily, part of the defensive responses of organisms (host) to the invasion by live (microorganisms) or inanimate matter recognized as pathogenic or alien to the host” (IUPS, 2001). Hence, the definition of fever covers the potential hyperthermic responses that may be elicited by a toxicological agent. The febrile responses to microorganisms and their components are certainly better understood than the response to inanimate matter. Only recently, with the development of radiotelemetry, have the hyperthermic responses of rodents to toxicological agents been assessed. To this end, this chapter addresses the hyperthermic and febrile effects of toxicants in experimental animals and humans, including anticholinesterase agents, oxidative uncouplers, alcohol, and metal fume fever.
