Which inflammatory mediator is associated with fever following an injury?

The inflammatory mediator most closely associated with fever following an injury is endogenous pyrogens. Endogenous pyrogens are substances produced by the immune system in response to infection or inflammation. They play a crucial role in triggering the hypothalamus to raise the body temperature set point, leading to fever.

When cells are damaged or during an immune response, they release various cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). These cytokines function as endogenous pyrogens, signaling the body to initiate a fever as part of the inflammatory response. The increase in body temperature can help to enhance the efficiency of immune responses and inhibit the growth of pathogens.

In contrast, exogenous pyrogens, which are substances originating outside the body (like bacterial toxins), can also induce fever but are not the primary mediators produced during the body's intrinsic response to an injury. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation and fever by sensitizing the hypothalamus, but they are not classified as pyrogens themselves. Bradykinin, while involved in inflammatory processes and causing pain, does not directly influence the fever mechanism. Thus, endogenous pyrogens are the key mediators for fever after an