The acute phase response is a rapid inflammatory response that provides protection against microorganisms using non-specific defense mechanisms. In addition to infection it can also be triggered by tissue injury, trauma or surgery, neoplastic growth or immunological disorders. Typically it consists of fever, an increase in inflammatory factors (such as pro-inflammatory cytokines) and a change in concentration of several plasma proteins (the acute phase proteins) due largely to an altered hepatic metabolism. This response is mediated by endogenous pyrogens, the hypothalamus, adrenal hormones and other factors. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have other effects as well, such as suppression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which has a large impact on the metabolism and toxicity of various chemical compounds and drugs...