[Effect of thymosin (fraction 5) on the development of functional activity of the adrenals and gonads in genetically athymic mice].

The paper is concerned with the effect of thymosin, a hormone secreted by the thymus (fraction 5), on the development of adrenocortical and sex gland functions in genetically athymic mice (nude mutation). Multiple administration of thymosin to mice in the 1st month of their life (0.1 microgram/mouse twice a week) caused the suppression of corticosterone production by the adrenal glands in adult mice aged 2 mos., a considerable rise of the blood level of testosterone in male mice and the reduction of the specific production of estradiol by the ovaries in females. A thymosin-mediated role in the interaction between the immune and endocrine systems in the period of development of their functions was discussed.