Pigs susceptible to energy metabolism in the fulminant hyperthermia stress syndrome.

Abstract

Pigs susceptible to the fulminant hyperthermia-stress syndrome spontaneously developed the hyperthermia syndrome. Basal metabolic rates 10-fold higher than normal were observed in these animals. The metabolic rate exceeded a 17-fold increase over normal with a total heat production of over 28.25 J (6;76 kcal) h-1 kg-1. Heat loss by radiation ceased early in the syndrome, possibly owing to intense peripheral vasoconstriction--a finding which suggests that in man vasodilators might have an important therapeutic role.