Effect of Aspirin and Reserpine on Adrenocortical Response to Piromen in Man

Conclusions

1. Intravenous administration of 0.1 γg Piromen/kg body weight to young, normal male and female subjects causes a significant rise in body temperature and plasma hydrocortisone levels. 2. Increased concentration of plasma free 17-OHCS following Piromen administration has been shown to be the result of increased secretion of hydrocortisone. 3. The rise in plasma hydrocortisone distinctly precedes the elevation of body temperature above 37°C. Fever is, therefore, not the cause of the elevated plasma hydrocortisone levels. 4. The increases in plasma hydrocortisone levels, eosinopenia, temperature, and pulse rate caused by Piromen administration are significantly lessened by the concomitant administration of aspirin. 5. Administration of reserpine in a dose of 4 mg/24-hr period caused no hypothermia in normal human subjects. 6. Pyrogenic, eosinopenic, and adrenocortical stimulatory effects of Piromen are not altered by the prior and concomitant administration of reserpine.