Substances responsible for increasing the set point of the hypothalamus are called:

Explanation

Substances responsible for increasing the set point of the hypothalamus are called pyrogens. Pyrogens are substances that induce a fever response in the body by raising the set point of the hypothalamus, which is the body's internal temperature-regulating center. When pyrogens are present, they signal the hypothalamus to increase the set point, resulting in the body generating and conserving heat to reach the new, higher temperature. Pyrogens can be endogenous (produced within the body) or exogenous (coming from external sources). Examples of endogenous pyrogens include cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are released during an immune response. Exogenous pyrogens can include bacterial toxins or certain drugs. By increasing the set point of the hypothalamus, pyrogens contribute to the development of a fever, which is a protective response that helps the body fight off infections and promote immune function.