A 23-year-old woman has a severe viral respiratory infection. Her temperature is 38.9°C (102°F), but decreases after she takes aspirin. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of action of aspirin in decreasing the fever?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aspirin decreases fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX), which reduces the production of prostaglandins that mediate fever.  The antipyretic (fever reducing) effects of aspirin are due to the ability of this drug to block the synthesis of pro-inflammatory and pyretic prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. The synthesis of the prostaglandins is initiated via the activity of PGS. This enzyme possesses 2 activities, COX and peroxidase. One of the actions of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is the inhibition of the COX activity of PGS.

A 23-Year-Old Woman Has a Severe Viral Respiratory Infection