Influence of the thymus and pineal gland on immunity and aging

Abstract

The thymus and pineal gland (epiphysis) are endocrine glands with pivotal role in the maintenance of normal physiological processes. Their hormonal activity has been the subject of many studies, but on most occasions, each gland has been considered separately. Surveys that identify the link between these two glands, as well as the connection between their hormones, appeared only recently. The growing body of data about the morphology and the functions of the thymus and epiphysis reveals not only the bi-directional links between these glands but also common involutionary mechanisms. The immune activity of the thymus is well-known, and the results indicate that melatonin has significant immunomodulatory potential as well. The hormones of both glands play a role in the antioxidant and antitumor defense of the organism, as well as in the hemostasis processes. Some studies confirm the existence of a functional relationship between the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems and the contribution of thymic and pineal hormones to its establishment. The association between thymus and epiphysis is important not only for the normal immune response but also for the regulation of aging and the occurrence of age-related conditions and diseases