Metabolism
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Overheating after overdosing on E - and slimming by taking dinitrophenol
IET
overdosed on on Ecstasy (MDMA = methylenedioxymethamphetamine) at a rave.
She become hyperthermic, and hyperventilated.
What is happening to increase her rate of oxygen consumption and her body temperature?
The increased rate of oxygen consumption and the increase in body temperature suggest that she is oxidising more metabolic fuel - we have already seen that each litre of oxygen consumed is equivalent to 20 kJ of energy expenditure - and whether this energy expenditure is associated with physical work or not, there will be an increase in heat output from the body.
What we have to consider is how it is possible for MDMA to increase the rate at which metabolic fuels are being oxidised, so leading to excessive heat production, and hence hyperthermia.
What is the main way in which the oxidation of metabolic fuels is controlled?