The antipyretic action of dextrose

Abstract

Dextrose (30 gms. in 250 c.c. water) given per os with acetyl salicylic acid (1 gm.) in a case of chronic tuberculosis was followed within 2 1/2 hours by a fall in rectal temperature from 38.03° C. to 36.02° C. In numerous observations upon this and other “labile” individuals under like conditions acetyl salicylic acid (1 gm. with 250 c.c.) never has produced a fall of temperature exceeding 1.1° C. in the same length of time.

This observaton has led to an investigation of the action of dextrose upon the heat regulation.

The preceding table shows the effects of dextrose given per os upon the temperature of three individuals, one of whom was in normal health. (Readings were taken at half hourly intervals but the curves are uniform enough for the first and last reading to suffice.)

Calorimetric Observations.-In each of the above experiments also the heat production has been determined by the indirect method, using the Benedict Respiration Chamber at the New Haven Hospital. As would be expected, the CO₂ excretion was constantly above the basal levels for the same individuals; but since the temperature falls, it is evident that dextrose effects a marked increase in heat eliminating processes. The respiratory quotients were also high; but the metabolism data are as yet insufficient to make comparisons between febrile and normal individuals.

Dextrose in Rabbits.-The antipyretic action of dextrose given per os has been confirmed in five rabbits with “peptone fever.” An average temperature fall of 0.8° in one half hour was obtained. The former level was usually regained in about two hours.

The accompanying curve (Fig. I) shows the temperature of an 1,800-gm. “peptone” rabbit given 18 gms. of dextrose by stomach tube in 100 C.C. of water heated to 41° C. The control “peptone” rabbit (1,730 gms.) received only 100 C.C. of water (at 41° C.).'lhe dextrose rabbit exhibited a loss of 0.6° C. in one half hour, the control rabbit no loss of temperature.