Inhibition by Aminopyrine of Adrenocortical Activation Caused by Pyrogenic Reaction.

Abstract

Intravenous injection of typhoid vaccine caused rises in plasma corticosteroid levels in 17 human subjects. Levels attained were 29-59 [mu]g% (normal resting levels 4-28 [mu]g%). Prior treatment with 3.6 g aminopyrine prevented the febrile response to vaccine injection in 7 patients, and in 6 of these blocked the rise in plasma corticosteroids. Since aminopyrine did not block ACTH action on adrenal cortical response nor pituitary-adrenal response to a non-febrile stress (insulin hypoglycemia) it is presumed that the effect seen is due to the anti-pyretic property of the drug.