Effect of fluoroquinolones on body temperature of mice

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of fluoroquinolones on rectal temperature of infected and non-infected mice. Methods: The effect of fluoroquinolone administration on rectal temperature was investigated in a mouse model with and without infection. Results: Hypothermia was induced by administration of gatifloxacin at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg in non-infected mice, but not by cefditoren pivoxil. In addition, the rectal temperature was decreased in infected mice administered fluoroquinolones or cephems, a greater decrease being noted in animals receiving the former agents. Conclusions: This study shows that fluoroquinolones decrease the rectal temperature of mice regardless of infections. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.