Which of the following is a systemic effect of inflammation?

• A. Inhibition of leukocytosis
• B. Decreased acute-phase proteins
• C. Fever
• D. Lower metabolic activity

Answer: (C)

Fever is indeed a systemic effect of inflammation. It occurs as a result of cytokines, particularly interleukins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which are released during the inflammatory process. These cytokines act on the hypothalamus in the brain, raising the body’s temperature set point. This elevated temperature can enhance the efficiency of immune responses, inhibit the growth of some pathogens, and promote tissue repair.

In contrast, inhibition of leukocytosis does not represent a systemic effect of inflammation; rather, during inflammation, leukocytosis is often increased as the body mobilizes white blood cells to fight off pathogens. Decreased levels of acute-phase proteins also do not occur during inflammation; instead, acute-phase proteins, such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, typically increase in response to inflammation to support various functions, including opsonization and coagulation. Finally, inflammation is characterized by increased metabolic activity rather than a decrease; the body ramps up metabolic processes in response to injury or infection in order to facilitate healing and immune responses.