Comparison of the Effect of the Pyrogens, Etiocholanolone and Bacterial Endotoxin on Plasma Cortisol and Growth Hormone in Man1

Abstract

We have compared the effects of 2 different bacterial pyrogens with those of the steroidal pyrogen, etiocholanolone, in normal subjects. Lipexal and Piromen produced essentially equal febrile responses and increments in plasma cortisol levels. Piromen evoked significantly greater plasma growth hormone responses than did Lipexal. Although etiocholanolone caused higher and more prolonged fever and more severe constitutional symptoms, plasma cortisol responses were minimal and remained within the normal range, and plasma growth hormone levels did not vary from control values. Thus, fever and the associated nonspecific “stress” do not appear to be important stimuli for the release of ACTH and growth hormone.