Abstract

The influence of different endocrinological manipulations on the blood concentration of serum thymic factor (FTS) was studied in young-adult and old mice. Among the experimentally induced endocrinopathies in youth, hypothyroidism and diabetes caused strong reductions of FTS levels, which were restored to normal by the appropriate hormonal substitutive therapy. Removal of adrenals or gonads has no significant effect on FTS level. Old mice, which show undetectable levels of FTS and low levels of thyroxine, can regain the capacity to produce FTS, provided they are treated with thyroxine. The variations of FTS blood levels in the course of endocrinological manipulations were due to a direct or indirect effect exerted on the recipient thymus. Hormonal treatment of thymectomized mice did not induce any FTS-like activity in their sera, nor did hormones interfere in vitro with the bioassay used to test for FTS. These data suggest that the neuroendocrine balance modulates the synthesis and/or the release of FTS from the thymus during the whole life of the organism and that the decline of FTS production with advancing age is largely dependent on age-associated endocrinological imbalances.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.