Endogenous hyperthermia was induced in rabbits by i.v. pyrogenal administration. Hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and parameters of free radical lipid oxidation in plasma and red blood cells were measured. The content of diene conjugates, malonic dialdehyde and Schiff bases were determined at a pyrogenal dose of 4 minimal pyrogenic doses/kg, and iron-initiated chemiluminescence, catalase activity and alpha-tocopherol concentration were determined at 6 minimal pyrogenic doses/kg. A rightward shift of the real oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and activation of lipid peroxidation were observed. Relationships between the parameters measured were analyzed. Decreased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity is considered to be a possible mechanism of activation of free radicals during fever.