Thymulin and the neuroendocrine system

Peptides. 2004 Jan;25(1):139-42. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2003.11.002.

Abstract

Thymulin is a thymic hormone exclusively produced by the thymic epithelial cells. It consists of a nonapeptide component coupled to the ion zinc, which confers biological activity to this molecule. After its discovery in the early 1970, thymulin was characterized as a thymic hormone involved in several aspects of intra- and extrathymic T-cell differentiation. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that thymulin production and secretion is strongly influenced by the neuroendocrine system. Conversely, an emerging core of information points to thymulin as a hypophysotropic peptide. Here we review the evidence supporting the hypothesis that thymulin is an important player in the hypophyso-thymic axis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Neurosecretory Systems / chemistry*
  • Thymic Factor, Circulating / metabolism*

Substances

  • Thymic Factor, Circulating