Study summary · research use only
Thymulin, a zinc-dependent hormone
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review describes thymulin (formerly FTS), a nonapeptide hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells, whose biological activity and antigenicity are described as depending on the presence of zinc in the molecule. The abstract reports that thymulin induces differentiation of T-cells and enhances functions of various T-cell subsets in normal or partially thymus-deficient recipients, with its effect on suppressor T-cells noted as the most notable and closest to clinical application. The review states thymulin is a natural hormone available in synthetic form, described in the abstract as not toxic, and anticipates possible future use as an immunoregulatory agent. Species not specified.
Abstract
Thymulin (formerly called FTS) is a well defined nonapeptide hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells. Its biological activity and antigenicity depend upon the presence of the metal zinc in the molecule. This pharmacologically active metallopeptide induces the differentiation of T-cells and enhances several functions of the various T-cell subsets in normal or partially thymus-deficient recipients. Its effect on suppressor T-cells is, so far, the most remarkable and should be the first to find useful clinical applications. The peptide is a natural hormone, available in synthetic form. It is not toxic and one may foresee its clinical use as one of the major immunoregulatory agents in the near future.
pepmg summarizes the peer-reviewed literature and links to every source — it sells nothing, ships nothing, and gives no medical, dosing, or human-use guidance. Don't just trust this summary: follow the citation to its source and read it yourself. Research use only.