Question

Displacement of the set point in the hypothalamus is due to _________

• A. Pathogens
• B. Effectors
• C. Receptors
• D. Pyrogens

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Pyrogens

Displacement of the set point in the hypothalamus occurs due to the action of pyrogens, particularly during fever.​

Pyrogens—either exogenous (like bacterial toxins such as lipopolysaccharides) or endogenous (like interleukins IL-1, IL-6, and prostaglandin E₂)—act on the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA). They cause an elevation in the thermal set point, leading the body to generate and retain more heat through shivering and vasoconstriction until the new set point temperature is reached.