Pyrogen is a term used to describe substances that cause fever. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /paɪrədʒən/. The first syllable "pyr" is pronounced as /paɪr/ which represents the "i" sound as in "pie". The second syllable "o" is pronounced as /ə/ which represents the "schwa" sound. The final syllable "gen" is pronounced as /dʒən/ which represents the "j" sound followed by the "schwa" sound. Thus, Pyrogen is pronounced as py-ra-jən.
A pyrogen refers to a substance that induces fever when introduced into the body. Derived from the Greek words "pyros" (meaning fire) and "gen" (meaning producing), pyrogenic substances can stimulate a rise in body temperature, leading to the onset of fever. Pyrogens can be both endogenous (produced within the body) or exogenous (originating from external sources).
Endogenous pyrogens are typically proteins released by certain cells of the immune system, such as macrophages or monocytes, in response to the presence of pathogens or foreign substances. These proteins, known as endogenous pyrogenic cytokines or pyrogenic mediators, can act on the hypothalamus, a region in the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, triggering the fever response.
Exogenous pyrogens, on the other hand, are external substances that can induce fever when introduced into the body. These can include various pathogens like bacteria or viruses, as well as certain chemical compounds or drugs. Exogenous pyrogens often stimulate the production and release of endogenous pyrogens within the body, leading to elevated body temperature.
The ability of pyrogens to induce fever is an essential aspect of the immune response, as fever acts as a defense mechanism to combat infections. By raising the body's temperature, fever promotes the activity of immune cells, enhances the production of antibodies, and inhibits the growth and replication of certain pathogens.
Pyretogen, any fever-producing substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pyrogen" is derived from two Greek terms: "pyr" (meaning fire) and "gen" (meaning to produce). Combining these two elements, "pyrogen" can be understood to mean "fire-producing" or "fire-inducing". In the context of medicine, a pyrogen refers to any substance that can induce a fever.