Content

People don't know everything about their body. Many people know where the heart, stomach, brain and liver are located, but few people know the location of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus or thymus. However, the thymus or thymus gland is the central organ and is located in the very center of the sternum.

Thymus gland - what is it?

The iron got its name due to its shape resembling a two-pronged fork. However, this is what a healthy thymus looks like, while a sick one takes on the appearance of a sail or butterfly. Because of its proximity to the thyroid gland, doctors used to call it the thymus gland. What is the thymus? This is the main organ of vertebrate immunity, in which the production, development and training of T cells occurs immune system. The gland begins to grow in a newborn baby before the age of 10, and after the 18th birthday it gradually decreases. The thymus is one of the main organs for the formation and activity of the immune system.

Where is the thymus gland located?

You can detect the thymus gland by placing two folded fingers on the upper part of the sternum below the clavicular notch. The location of the thymus is the same in children and adults, but the anatomy of the organ has age characteristics. At birth, the weight of the thymus organ of the immune system is 12 grams, and by puberty it reaches 35-40 g. Atrophy begins at approximately 15-16 years. By the age of 25, the thymus weighs about 25 grams, and by 60 it weighs less than 15 grams.

By the age of 80, the weight of the thymus gland is only 6 grams. By this time, the thymus becomes elongated, the lower and lateral sections of the organ atrophy, which are replaced by adipose tissue. Official science does not explain this phenomenon. This is the biggest mystery in biology today. It is believed that lifting this veil will allow people to defy the aging process.

Structure of the thymus

We have already found out where the thymus is located. We will consider the structure of the thymus gland separately. This small-sized organ has a pinkish-gray color, soft consistency, and lobular structure. The two lobes of the thymus are completely fused or tightly adjacent to each other. Top part the organ is wide, and the lower one is narrower. The entire thymus gland is covered with a capsule of connective tissue, under which there are dividing T-lymphoblasts. The bridges that extend from it divide the thymus into lobules.

The blood supply to the lobular surface of the gland comes from the internal mammary artery, thymic branches of the aorta, branches of the thyroid arteries and the brachiocephalic trunk. Venous outflow of blood occurs through the internal mammary arteries and branches of the brachiocephalic veins. The growth of various blood cells occurs in the tissues of the thymus. The lobulated structure of the organ contains the cortex and medulla. The first appears as a dark substance and is located on the periphery. Also, the cortex of the thymus gland contains:

• hematopoietic cells of the lymphoid series, where T-lymphocytes mature;
• hematopoietic macrophages, which contain dendritic cells, interdigitating cells, typical macrophages;
• epithelial cells;
• supporting cells that form the blood-thymus barrier, which form the tissue framework;
• stellate cells – secrete hormones that regulate the development of T cells;
• “nanny” cells in which lymphocytes develop.

In addition, the thymus secretes the following substances into the bloodstream:

• thymic humoral factor;
• insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1);
• thymopoietin;
• thymosin;
• Thymalin.

What is he responsible for?

Thymus forms all body systems in a child, and maintains good immunity in an adult. What is the thymus responsible for in the human body? The thymus gland performs three important functions: lymphopoietic, endocrine, and immunoregulatory. It produces T-lymphocytes, which are the main regulators of the immune system, that is, the thymus kills aggressive cells. In addition to this function, it filters the blood and monitors the outflow of lymph. If any malfunction occurs in the functioning of the organ, this leads to the formation of oncological and autoimmune pathologies.

In children

In a child, the formation of the thymus begins in the sixth week of pregnancy. The thymus gland in children under one year of age is responsible for the production bone marrow T lymphocytes that protect children's body from bacteria, infections, viruses. An enlarged thymus gland (hyperfunction) in a child is not the best way affects health because it leads to decreased immunity. Children with this diagnosis are susceptible to various allergic manifestations, viral and infectious diseases.

In adults

The thymus gland begins to involute as a person ages, so it is important to maintain its functions in a timely manner. Rejuvenation of the thymus is possible with a low-calorie diet, taking the drug Ghrelin and using other methods. The thymus gland in adults takes part in modeling two types of immunity: a cellular type response and a humoral response. The first forms the rejection of foreign elements, and the second manifests itself in the production of antibodies.

Hormones and functions

The main polypeptides produced by the thymus gland are thymalin, thymopoietin, and thymosin. They are proteins by nature. When lymphoid tissue develops, lymphocytes are able to take part in immunological processes. Thymus hormones and their functions have a regulatory effect on all physiological processes occurring in the human body:

• reduce cardiac output and heart rate;
• slow down the functioning of the central nervous system;
• replenish energy reserves;
• accelerate the breakdown of glucose;
• increase cell growth and skeletal tissue due to enhanced protein synthesis;
• improve the functioning of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland;
• exchange vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals.

Hormones

Under the influence of thymosin, lymphocytes are formed in the thymus, then, with the help of thymopoietin, the blood cells partially change their structure to ensure maximum protection for the body. Timulin activates T-helper and T-killer cells, increases the intensity of phagocytosis, and accelerates regeneration processes. Thymus hormones are involved in the functioning of the adrenal glands and genital organs. Estrogens activate the production of polypeptides, while progesterone and androgens inhibit the process. A glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex has a similar effect.

Functions

In the tissues of the thymus gland, blood cells proliferate, which enhances the body’s immune response. The resulting T-lymphocytes enter the lymph, then colonize the spleen and The lymph nodes. Under stressors (hypothermia, starvation, severe injury, etc.), the functions of the thymus gland weaken due to the massive death of T-lymphocytes. After this, they undergo positive selection, then negative selection of lymphocytes, then regenerate. The functions of the thymus begin to decline by the age of 18, and fade almost completely by the age of 30.

Diseases of the thymus gland

As practice shows, diseases of the thymus gland are rare, but are always accompanied characteristic symptoms. The main manifestations include severe weakness, enlarged lymph nodes, decreased protective functions of the body. Under the influence of developing diseases of the thymus, lymphoid tissue grows, tumors form, which cause swelling of the extremities, compression of the trachea, borderline sympathetic trunk or vagus nerve. Malfunctions of the organ appear when the function decreases (hypofunction) or when the thymus functions increase (hyperfunction).

Magnification

If the ultrasound photo showed that the central organ of lymphopoiesis is enlarged, then the patient has thymic hyperfunction. Pathology leads to the formation of autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, myasthenia gravis). Thymus hyperplasia in infants manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• decreased muscle tone;
• frequent regurgitation;
• weight problems;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• pale skin;
• profuse sweating;
• enlarged adenoids, lymph nodes, tonsils.

Hypoplasia

The central organ of human lymphopoiesis may have congenital or primary aplasia (hypofunction), which is characterized by the absence or weak development of thymic parenchyma. Combined immunological deficiency is diagnosed as congenital DiGeorge disease, in which children experience heart defects, seizures, and abnormalities of the facial skeleton. Hypofunction or hypoplasia of the thymus gland can develop against the background diabetes mellitus, viral diseases or alcohol consumption by a woman during pregnancy.

Tumor

Thymomas (tumors of the thymus) occur at any age, but most often such pathologies affect people from 40 to 60 years of age. The cause of the disease has not been established, but it is believed that malignant tumor the thymus gland arises from epithelial cells. It was noticed that this phenomenon occurs if a person suffered from chronic inflammation or viral infections or has been exposed to ionizing radiation. Depending on what pathological process cells, the following types of thymus tumors are distinguished:

• spindle cell;
• granulomatous;
• epidermoid;
• lymphoepithelial.

Symptoms of thymus disease

When the functioning of the thymus changes, an adult feels breathing problems, heaviness in the eyelids, and muscle fatigue. The first signs of thymus disease are long-term recovery from the simplest infectious diseases. When cellular immunity is impaired, symptoms of a developing disease begin to appear, for example, multiple sclerosis, Graves' disease. If there is any decrease in immunity and corresponding symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor.

Thymus gland - how to check

If a child has frequent colds, turning into severe pathologies, there is a greater predisposition to allergic processes or enlarged lymph nodes, then a diagnosis of the thymus gland is needed. For this purpose, a sensitive ultrasound machine with high resolution is required, since the thymus is located near the pulmonary trunk and atrium, and is covered by the sternum.

If hyperplasia or aplasia is suspected after a histological examination, the doctor may refer you for a computed tomography scan and examination by an endocrinologist. A tomograph will help identify the following pathologies of the thymus gland:

• MEDAC syndrome;
• DiGeorge syndrome;
• myasthenia gravis;
• thymoma;
• T-cell lymphoma;
• pre-T-lymphoblastic tumor;
• neuroendocrine tumor.

Norms

In a newborn baby, the size of the thymus gland is on average 3 cm wide, 4 cm long and 2 cm thick. The normal average size of the thymus is presented in the table:

	Width(cm)	Length(cm)	Thickness(cm)
1-3 months
10 months - 1 year

Pathology of the thymus

When immunogenesis is disrupted, changes in the gland are observed, which are represented by diseases such as dysplasia, aplasia, accidental involution, atrophy, hyperplasia with lymphoid follicles, thymomegaly. Often, thymus pathology is associated either with an endocrine disorder or with the presence of an autoimmune or cancer. Most common cause The decline in cellular immunity is age-related involution, in which there is a deficiency of melatonin in the pineal gland.

How to treat the thymus gland

As a rule, thymus pathologies are observed up to 6 years of age. Then they disappear or develop into more serious diseases. If a child has an enlarged thymus gland, then he should be observed by a phthisiatrician, immunologist, pediatrician, endocrinologist and otolaryngologist. Parents should take precautions respiratory diseases. If symptoms such as bradycardia, weakness and/or apathy are present, urgent health care. Treatment of the thymus gland in children and adults is carried out with medication or surgery.

Drug treatment

When the immune system is weakened, biologically active substances must be administered to maintain the body. These are the so-called immunomodulators that thymus therapy offers. Treatment of the thymus gland in most cases is carried out on an outpatient basis and consists of 15-20 injections, which are administered into the gluteal muscle. The treatment regimen for thymus pathologies may vary, depending on clinical picture. In the presence of chronic diseases Therapy can be carried out for 2-3 months, 2 injections per week.

5 ml of thymus extract isolated from animal thymus gland peptides is injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. This is a natural biological raw material without preservatives or additives. After just 2 weeks, improvements in the patient’s general condition are noticeable, since protective blood cells are activated during the treatment process. Thymus therapy has a long-term effect on the body after therapy. A repeat course can be carried out after 4-6 months.

Operation

Thymectomy or removal of the thymus is prescribed if the gland has a tumor (thymoma). The operation is performed under general anesthesia, which keeps the patient asleep throughout the operation. There are three methods of thymectomy:

1. Transsternal. An incision is made in the skin, after which the sternum bone is separated. The thymus is separated from the tissues and removed. The incision is closed with staples or stitches.
2. Transcervical. An incision is made along the lower part of the neck, after which the gland is removed.
3. Video-assisted surgery. Several small incisions are made in the superior mediastinum. A camera is inserted through one of them, displaying an image on a monitor in the operating room. During the operation, robotic manipulators are used that are inserted into the incisions.

Diet therapy

Diet therapy plays an important role in the treatment of thymus pathologies. You need to include foods rich in vitamin D in your diet: egg yolk, brewer's yeast, dairy products, fish fat. Recommended use walnut, beef, liver. When developing a diet, doctors advise including in the diet:

• parsley;
• broccoli, cauliflower;
• oranges, lemons;
• sea ​​buckthorn;
• rosehip syrup or decoction.

Traditional treatment

To improve immunity, children's doctor Komarovsky advises warming up the thymus gland with the help of a special massage. If an adult has an unreduced gland, then he should maintain immunity for prevention by taking herbal teas with rose hips, black currants, raspberries, lingonberries. Thymus treatment folk remedies It is not recommended to carry out this procedure, since the pathology requires strict medical supervision.

10 signs that you are not loved

The thymus, or thymus gland, is part of the endocrine and immune systems at the same time. This gland is located in the upper part of the chest.

The thymus gland performs a number of important functions in the body. Thymus hormones regulate the production of protective blood cells - lymphocytes. They mature and differentiate depending on their future functions under the influence of substances secreted by the thymus gland.

This allows for the formation of an immune response. In fact, the body’s ability to resist infections and toxins depends on the work of the thymus. The main hormones of the thymus gland are thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin.

In the article we will consider in detail what hormones the thymus secretes and their functions.

The most studied hormone of the thymus gland is thymosin. This is a protein substance. This polypeptide is synthesized in the reticular cells of the thymic epithelium.

Thymosin performs the following functions in the body:

• regulates the development of the musculoskeletal system;
• included in carbohydrate metabolism;
• controls calcium metabolism in the body;
• increases the intensity of secretion of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland.

In addition, thymosin takes an active part in the formation of the immune system until the age of 15. During this period, under the influence of this hormone, increased synthesis of lymphocytes occurs.

Insufficient secretion of thymosin by the thymus gland leads to the development of T-cell failure in humans. This is a group of symptoms in which lymphopoiesis is disrupted, resulting in a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes responsible for forming the immune response. Sometimes it's possible complete absence T-lymphocytes and absolute defenselessness against infections. This pathology is an indication for bone marrow transplantation and the introduction of antibodies.

Thymosin in humans is responsible for antitumor immunity. For this reason, it is extremely important to monitor its values.

Thymopoietin

Another hormone secreted by the thymus, thymopoietin, is also a peptide. It comes in two forms. Both types of hormone contain 49 amino acids and differ from each other in only two of them.

Thymopoietin is directly involved in the differentiation of T lymphocytes. These blood cells are synthesized in the tissues of the thymus. There are several types of them, differing from each other in their main purpose.

1. T-killers are lymphocytes that are able to interact with a foreign cell, destroying it. They recognize so-called target cells and destroy them by increasing membrane permeability.
2. Helper T cells are auxiliary cells that promote the maturation of killer T cells. In addition, this type of lymphocyte is responsible for the synthesis of antibodies.
3. Suppressor T cells suppress the activity of other T cells when needed. Their main function is the regulation of immunity.

Another function of thymopoietin is to block neuromuscular conduction. This hormone suppresses the transmission of impulses from nerve fibers to muscle tissue.

A decrease in thymopoietin levels in humans occurs naturally with aging. Other factors that provoke a decrease in its concentration are:

• removal of the thymus gland;
• congenital pathologies of the body;
• adverse effect environment.

In all these situations, the activity of T lymphocytes decreases. In severe cases, immunodeficiency conditions may develop.

Thymopoietin is an immunomodulator hormone. It is he who is able to both stimulate the work of T-lymphocytes and suppress their activity if necessary.

Timulin

The hormone thymulin is a protein compound, which is a chain of amino acids. Its other name is serum thymic factor. This substance becomes active in combination with a zinc cation. In this form, thymulin interacts with T-lymphocytes.

The amount of thymulin secreted by the thymus gland is controlled by the brain structure of the pituitary gland. The maximum concentration of this hormone is observed in childhood, about 10 years. After this, this indicator begins to gradually decrease. At the age of 35, the amount of thymulin becomes as low as possible and remains this way until the end of life.

Increased secretion of thymulin can be provoked by glucocorticoids, neuropeptides, and sex hormones.

Thymulin influences the final stages of T-lymphocyte differentiation. The main functions of this hormone are:

• stimulation of maturation of protective blood cells;
• antigen recognition;
• activation of T-killers and T-helpers;
• acceleration of interferon production;
• increased intensity of phagocytosis;
• accelerating the process of tissue regeneration.

A number of human diseases require constant monitoring of thymulin levels. These include:

• diseases associated with immune deficiency (AIDS, leukemia);
• autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus);
• endocrine disorders;
• conditions associated with zinc concentration (Crohn's disease).

In addition, obtaining data on the level of thymulin is necessary to determine the effectiveness of the use of thymus hormones in the treatment of various diseases.

Video on the topic

There is an organ in our body that is talked about very little, but which can rightfully be called the “spot of happiness.” This is the thymus gland.

There is an organ in our body that is talked about very little, but which can rightfully be called the “point of happiness.” And you don’t have to look for it for long. This is the thymus gland. Located in the upper part of the chest, right at the base of the sternum. It is very easy to detect: to do this, you need to place two fingers folded together below the clavicular notch. This will be the approximate location of the thymus gland.

The thymus gland got its name due to its characteristic shape, reminiscent of a three-pronged fork. However, only a healthy gland looks like this - a damaged one most often takes on the shape of a butterfly or sail. The thymus gland has another name - thymus, which translated from Greek means “vital force”. In the 60s of the last century, scientists realized that the thymus gland belongs to the organs of the immune system! And not to the secondary ones, like lymph nodes, tonsils or adenoids, but to the most central ones.

Functions of the thymus gland.

Long-term observations have shown that human life largely depends on this pink gland, especially the life of children who are not yet five years old. The fact is that the thymus is a “school” of accelerated training of immune system cells (lymphocytes), formed from bone marrow stem cells. Once in the thymus gland, the newborn “soldiers” of the immune system are transformed into T-lymphocytes, capable of fighting viruses, infections and autoimmune diseases. After this, in full combat readiness, they enter the bloodstream. Moreover, the most intensive training takes place in the first 2-3 years of life, and closer to five years, when a quite decent army of defenders is recruited, the function of the thymus gland begins to fade. By the age of 30, it fades out almost completely, and closer to forty, as a rule, not a trace remains of the thymus gland.

Antiage organ.

Doctors call the extinction of the thymus gland involution, or reverse development, although in some people the thymus gland does not disappear completely - a faint trace remains in the form of a small accumulation of lymphoid and adipose tissue. Why the thymus in some people ages and dissolves earlier, and in others later, is difficult to say. Maybe it’s all about genetic predisposition, maybe it’s about lifestyle... But doctors are sure: the later this happens, the better. And all because the thymus gland is capable of slowing down the body’s biological clock, in other words, slowing down aging.

So, during one of the experiments, two dogs (old and young) underwent thymus gland transplantation. A young gland was implanted into an old animal, and an old one into a young dog. As a result, the first animal recovered very quickly, began to eat more, behave more actively and generally look a couple of years younger. And the second quickly grew old, became decrepit, until it died of old age.

Why is this happening? Yes, because the thymus gland not only collects an army of T-lymphocytes, but also produces thymic hormones that activate the immune system, improve skin regeneration, and promote rapid cell restoration. In a word, the thymus (thymus gland) works to seriously rejuvenate the entire body.

A shot of youth.

Immunologists have found a way to renew the aging gland - for this, a little is needed: a suspension of embryonic stem cells, a syringe and the skillful hands of a doctor who will inject them directly into the thymus. According to the plan, this simple manipulation will force the fading organ to fully recover, returning lost youth to its owner. According to supporters of the method, such an injection is much more effective than injecting stem cells into the blood, where they are quickly destroyed, giving only a short-term surge of strength, energy and youth.

Life after death.

And yet there is no need to be afraid of the natural decline of the thymus gland. This natural process does not pose any threat to human life. The fact is that during the first five years of active work, the thymus manages to provide the human body with such a supply of T-lymphocytes, which is quite enough for the rest of life. In addition, the function of the retired gland is partially taken over by certain skin cells that are capable of synthesizing thymic hormones.

What she loves.

Like all organs of the immune system, the thymus gland loves protein, which, on the one hand, is a building material for antibodies, and on the other, enhances the activity of its own cells. Moreover, preference should be given to proteins of animal origin (they can be found in fish, meat, cheese , dairy products) as well as vegetable protein (spirulina, buckwheat and beans).

In addition to the protein diet, the thymus also loves thermal procedures. He will definitely enjoy a sauna, a warming compress, and rubbing with ointments based on... essential oils or a physical therapy session. True, immunologists do not recommend getting carried away with stimulating the thymus gland, because prolonged activity will inevitably lead to depletion of the organ, and this can cause the opposite effect. So the thymus should be warmed up for no longer than 5-10 days, preferably shortly before the period of colds.

As for the disease itself, which occurs with fever, at this moment stimulation of the thymus can lead to damage in the tissues of the organ and a more rapid progression of the disease (it it will go faster, but it will be more difficult to bear). So, it is best to apply compresses to the thymus gland when the disease is just beginning and the person feels weak, lethargic, has a runny nose, but the temperature does not rise.

What she can't stand.

The thymus gland does not tolerate stress at all (noise, temperature changes, anesthesia). During stress, the gland contracts, which leads to a decrease in vital energy. Stress requires the mobilization of all T-lymphocytes, as a result of which the thymus gland has to quickly prepare new defenders. Therefore, in a person who often takes risks and is nervous, the thymus gland wears out and ages faster.

Although problems with the thymus can also be caused by a deficiency of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. As a result, the thymus gland has to work for two, which can lead to the development of thymomegaly (enlargement of the gland) or thymoma (tumor of the thymus gland). Both of these diseases can be suspected in sluggish people who often suffer from colds, herpes and flu. An accurate diagnosis can be made on the basis of an x-ray, ultrasound results or an immunogram (a reduced number of T-lymphocytes indicates possible problems with the thymus gland).

How to stimulate the thymus gland?

A weakened thymus can be strengthened using the simplest method literally in a matter of seconds.

The method is to lightly tap the location of the gland with your hand 10-20 times. This tapping can be done with your fingertips or lightly clenched fist, choosing a pleasant rhythm. In this way, you can stabilize the body in a few seconds and fill it with life-giving energy.

But rubbing this place, on the contrary, has a weakening effect. Of course, you can also simply place your hand on the thymus and allow the energy to flow. This is another effective way to use vital energy.

If you regularly activate your thymus every morning and repeat this procedure several times during the day, then after a short period of time you will feel much stronger.

You can add affirmations, for example: “I am young, healthy, beautiful,” or come up with your own, but be sure to be positive.

When your thymus gland is activated, you may experience “goosebumps” and experience feelings of joy and happiness. It may take some time before you feel anything. Do this exercise every day and you will definitely feel its effect.

If you have frequent attacks of anxiety, panic, or stress, do this several times a day and you can regain your life balance. published

The main role of the thymus gland is to form and impart the necessary protective qualities to T-lymphocytes. The final functions of thymic hormones remain unstudied, but extraimmune reactions with their participation have also been discovered:

• protection from stress;
• avoiding danger;
• memory improvement;
• reducing anxiety levels;

To the most important hormones The thymus gland includes:

• Thymosin. They ensure the development of lymphocytes and the acquisition of specific characteristics by them. Such reactions are called differentiation, as a result of which the cells become mature and capable of performing the desired function. Also with the participation of thymosin occur:
  • strengthening bone tissue;

• Thymopoietin. Promotes the formation of surface antigens on stem cells that are capable of perceiving foreign proteins. Activates the production of energy compounds for the functioning of the immune system. Controls the transmission nerve impulses on muscle tissue, glucose and calcium metabolism. The formation of thymopoietin is negatively affected by: environmental pollution, chronic inflammatory processes, and frequent stress. With age, its content decreases significantly.
• Thymic factors.
  • factor X – regulates the number of lymphocytes, restores immune responses after removal of the thymus;
  • humoral (serum, thymulin) – promotes the detection of foreign proteins, active phagocytosis (uptake by the cell), the work of killers and helpers, wound healing, interferon production.

The thyroid and adrenal glands have the greatest influence on the formation of thymosin and thymopoietin. They inhibit the activity of the thymus gland, and growth hormone (pituitary gland), on the contrary, enhances it.

Thymic hormones themselves interfere with the activity of adrenocorticotropic hormone. The thymus gland is stimulated by compounds that form other cells of the body’s immune system - lymphokines, interleukins, interferon.

The greatest activity of the thymus occurs in childhood and adolescence. As the body ages, its tissue atrophies and practically disappears. Epiphyseal peptides (melatonin and dimethyltryptamine) were able to slow down the age-related decline of the thymus gland and even rejuvenate its structure.

Thymus activity manifests itself in childhood

Thymus extract isolated from the thymus gland of animals is included in such preparations: Taktivin, Timalin, Vilozen, Timactid. Their action is aimed at increasing protective forces body. When applied, the following results are obtained:

• the number of T-lymphocytes is restored;
• the level of compounds involved in cellular immunity increases;
• killer cell activity increases;
• production of precursor cells for T lymphocytes by the bone marrow increases;
• tissue regeneration, wound healing and ulcerative defects are improved.

Indications for use:

• purulent infections;
• tuberculosis;
• lymphogranulomatosis, leukemia;
• tumor processes in the thymus gland;
• multiple sclerosis;
• frequent colds;
• viral hepatitis;
• flu prevention.

Contraindications: intolerance, pregnancy, children under 6 months. Prescribe with caution to patients prone to allergic reactions.

Read more in our article about thymus hormones.

Read in this article

Endocrine function of the thymus

The main role of the thymus gland is to form and impart the necessary protective qualities to T-lymphocytes. For this purpose, it produces protein molecules - polypeptides. With their help, groups of killer cells, helpers, suppressors, their ratio, functional activity, and signal transmission to B lymphocytes are regulated.

The final functions of thymic hormones remain unstudied, but extraimmune reactions with their participation have also been discovered:

• the ability to influence learning processes;
• protection from stress;
• avoiding danger;
• memory improvement;
• reducing anxiety levels;
• stimulating cognition and exploration.

Thymus hormones and their effects

The most important hormones include thymosin, thymopoietin, and thymic hormonal factors.

Thymosin

They ensure the development of lymphocytes and the acquisition of specific characteristics by them. Such reactions are called differentiation, as a result of which the cells become mature and capable of performing the desired function. Also with the participation of thymosin occur:

• formation of antibodies by B lymphocytes, interferon;
• rejection of foreign tissue, including during organ transplantation;
• slowing down inflammation and aging of the body;
• strengthening bone tissue;
• release of its hormones by the pituitary gland.

Thymopoietin

Promotes the formation of surface antigens on stem cells that are capable of perceiving foreign proteins. This hormone also activates enzymes on the lymphocyte membrane and the production of energy compounds for the functioning of the immune system. Controls the transmission of nerve impulses to muscle tissue, the exchange of glucose and calcium.

With the participation of thymopoietin, all T-lymphocytes are divided into groups. Killers recognize cells infected with viruses, bacteria, mutated tumor cells and damaged, non-viable cells and destroy them directly. T-helpers are assistants to killer cells, help recognize foreign and defective proteins and at the same time transmit information about them to B-immune cells for the formation of antibodies.

T-suppressors can suppress the activity of any immune reaction; when they are reduced, killer cells destroy not only foreign tissue, but also their own tissue in the process of autoimmune inflammation.

The formation of thymopoietin is negatively affected by:

• environmental pollution,
• chronic inflammatory processes,
• frequent stress.

With age, its content decreases significantly.

Thymic factors

The following biological reactions occur with their participation:

• factor X– regulates the number of lymphocytes, restores immune responses after removal of the thymus;
• humoral (serum, thymulin)– promotes the detection of foreign proteins, active phagocytosis (uptake by the cell), the work of killers and helpers, wound healing, and interferon production.

Regulation of the formation of thymus hormones

Thyroxine from the thyroid gland and cortisol from the adrenal glands have the greatest influence on the formation of thymosin and thymopoietin. They inhibit the activity of the thymus gland, and (pituitary somatotropin), on the contrary, enhances it. Thymic hormones themselves interfere with activity. The thymus gland is stimulated by compounds that form other cells of the body’s immune system - lymphokines, interleukins, interferon.

Relationship between the thymus and pineal gland

The greatest activity of the thymus occurs in childhood and adolescence. As the body ages, its tissue atrophies and practically disappears. An interesting relationship has been discovered between the pineal gland (pineal gland) and the thymus. Epiphyseal peptides (melatonin, serotonin and dimethyltryptamine) were able to slow down the age-related decline of the thymus gland and even rejuvenate its structure.

Use of thymus hormones in medicine

Thymus extract isolated from the thymus gland of animals is included in the following drugs: Taktivin, Timalin, Vilozen, Timactid. Their action is aimed at increasing the body's defenses. When applied, the following results are obtained:

Indications for use

Preparations with thymus extract are used to treat children from 6 months and adults with the following diseases:

• purulent infections;
• tuberculosis;
• sepsis (presence of microbes in the blood);
• diseases of lymphatic tissue, lungs;
• lymphogranulomatosis, leukemia;
• malignant neoplasms of various localizations;
• conditions after radiation therapy of the thymus;
• multiple sclerosis;
• herpes with a continuously recurrent course;
• herpes zoster, dermatitis, psoriasis;
• frequent colds;
• diseases of the genitourinary system, especially chronic and sluggish forms;
• viral hepatitis;
• immunodeficiencies after chemotherapy, radiation, stress, viral infections;
• flu prevention.

Contraindications

Do not use thymus preparations if you are intolerant; they are contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the presence of Rh conflict. Prescribe with caution to patients prone to allergic reactions.

Hormones of the thymus gland help carry out its main function - training T-lymphocytes that provide cellular immunity. They also have non-immune properties, protect the body from microbes, tumors, and prevent aging. The adrenal glands and thyroid gland inhibit the activity of the thymus, and the growth hormone of the pituitary gland and epiphyseal glands activate it. For medicinal purposes, thymus gland extract is used for various conditions of immunodeficiency.

Useful video

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Thymic hormones are peptides produced by cells of the thymus gland (thymus), which take part in many processes in the human body. Their common property is the ability to influence the maturation and activity of T-lymphocytes.

The thymus, or thymus gland, is a lobular organ that is located in the upper part of the chest (in the anterior mediastinum) and belongs simultaneously to the endocrine and immune systems. The size of the thymus gland is greatest in adolescence; with the onset of puberty, the gland undergoes involution and atrophy.

The hormones of the thymus gland include:

• thymosin;
• thymulin;
• thymopoietin;
• insulin-like growth factor 1.

The most studied peptide to date, which is secreted in the thymus, is thymosin.

Glucocorticoids, which are produced in the adrenal cortex, melatonin, synthesized in the pineal gland, and sex hormones take part in the regulation of the thymus. Estrogens stimulate the synthesis of thymus hormones, progesterone and androgens inhibit their production. Melatonin and a number of other substances produced by the pineal gland can slow down the involution of the thymus gland.

Functions of thymus hormones

Thymus peptides take part in the regulation of lymphocyte production, their differentiation, and maturation. From proper operation The thymus gland depends on the immune system, i.e. the human body’s ability to resist infections and toxins.

Thymus hormones are involved in shaping the body's response to foreign substances. Natural antigens are divided into thymus-dependent and thymus-independent. The main differences between them are presented in the table.

In addition, the thymus gland takes part in metabolism, maintaining skin elasticity and a number of other processes.

Thymosin

Thymosin is a polypeptide that is produced in the reticular cells of the epithelium of the thymus gland. Performs the following functions in the body:

• takes part in the development of the musculoskeletal system;
• participates in the regulation of carbohydrate and calcium metabolism;
• stimulates the production of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland.

In addition, an important role of thymosin in the body is to prevent the growth of tumors.

In children under 15 years of age, thymosin is actively involved in the formation of immunity, since under its action the active production of lymphocytes occurs.

With decreased secretion of thymosin, a person may experience T-cell deficiency, which may require the introduction of antibodies and sometimes a bone marrow transplant to compensate.

Timulin

The hormone thymulin is called serum thymic factor and is a protein compound. The secretion of thymulin is controlled by the pituitary gland. The thymus gland can produce more thymulin under the influence of neuropeptides, glucocorticoids, and sex hormones.

The maximum level of thymulin in a person’s blood is observed up to 10 years of age, after which its concentration begins to gradually decrease until the age of 35, and then the content of the hormone in the blood practically does not change until the end of life.

Its main functions include:

• stimulation of T-lymphocyte maturation (participates in the final stage of T-cell differentiation);
• activation of T-helper and T-killer cells;
• antigen recognition;
• stimulation of interferon production;
• stimulation of phagocytosis;
• participation in tissue regeneration processes.

Thymopoietin

Thymopoietin is a peptide that is presented in the body in two forms. Both types of this hormone differ from each other in two of the 49 amino acids.

Thymopoietin takes part in the differentiation of T cells of the immune system, which are synthesized in the tissues of the thymus gland. Thymopoietin is able to both stimulate the activity of T cells and suppress it if necessary. In addition, it is involved in blocking neuromuscular conduction.

A natural decrease in thymopoietin levels in humans occurs during the aging process. A decrease in the concentration in the blood of this biologically active substance is observed when the thymus gland is removed (thymectomy), the presence of congenital pathologies, or exposure to adverse factors on the body. external environment. In these situations, the patient's T-cell activity decreases, and in some cases immunodeficiency may develop.

Insulin-like growth factor 1

The thymus produces insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the structure of which resembles that of insulin. IGF 1 takes part in the endocrine, paracrine and autocrine regulation of growth processes, differentiation of cells and tissues of the human body.

It's biological active substance is an intermediary of growth hormone (provides almost all the physiological effects of somatotropin in peripheral tissues).

Estrogens, androgens and insulin increase the production of insulin-like growth factor 1, and glucocorticoids decrease it. Most of this substance is produced during adolescence, the most low level secretion is observed in children and the elderly.

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