A researcher investigates fever reduction in mice using a novel drug. If this drug inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in hypothalamic cells, which consequence follows?

💡 Explanation

PLA2 inhibition reduces arachidonic acid release, a precursor for prostaglandin synthesis. Because prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a key mediator of fever in the hypothalamus, its synthesis decreases. Therefore, the drug reduces fever by limiting PGE2 production rather than increasing inflammation via cytokine production.

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