[Thymus hormones--precursors of new psychoneuromodulatory peptides].

The influence of thymic hormone's short fragments: thymopentin or T-5 (RKDVY), RKD and SKD, on behaviour and neurochemical processes (contents of GABA and monoamines in the brain and adrenals, plasma corticosterone), was investigated. The 100 and 500 micrograms/kg doses i.p. prevented alterations in rat's brain GABA content and plasma corticosterone level, as well as elicited anxiolytic activity in a conflict test. T-5 exerted antidepressant activity, too. SKD potentiated the haloperidol-induced catalepsy. The data obtained suggest a multicomponent (CNS-activating and inhibiting) mechanism of action of the thymic hormone fragments. These fragments seem to be formed endogenously during thymic hormone bioprocessing and may act as regulatory neuropeptides.