[Change in the content of alpha-fetoprotein and sex steroid hormones in the blood of rabbits in fever or subnormal temperature].

In experiments on rabbits, changes in the content of alpha-fetoprotein, estradiol and progesterone in blood serum in fever and subnormal temperature simulated with the use of pyrogenal and Freund's complete adjuvant were studied. The concentration of alpha-fetoprotein decreased and that of estradiol and progesterone increased. The results were analyzed in terms of the return of certain signs and properties in disease to the period of antenatal ontogenesis. A possible relation between the changes in alpha-fetoprotein in fever, subnormal temperature and immune, hormonal mechanisms of the thermoregulatory disorder was hypothesized.