Animals infected with a pathogen often increase their body temperature, a reaction which can limit the reproduction of the pathogen and stimulate the immune system. Excessive body temperature increases, however, can decrease survival. The Mongolian gerbil responds to the endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide LPS, with increased body temperature. Relative to saline-injected animals, gerbils made hyperthermic with LPS choose an environmental temperature 6.7°C lower. Apparently the gerbil is attempting to limit its body temperature increases by selecting a lower ambient temperature.
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