Role of thymic peptides as transmitters between the neuroendocrine and immune systems

Thymic peptides, a heterogenous family of polypeptidic hormones synthesized within the thymus, not only exert important regulatory effects within both the immune and neuroendocrine systems but are also themselves subject to control by hormones derived from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and other endocrine glands. Regarding thymic hormonal function, thymulin production is up-regulated by several hormones, including prolactin, growth hormone and thyroid hormones. Other aspects of the physiology of thymic epithelial cells can also be modulated by hormones and neuropeptides, particularly cytokeratin expression, cell growth and production of extracellular matrix proteins, thus characterizing the pleiotrophic action of these molecules on the thymic epithelium. Conversely, thymic-derived peptides also regulate hormone release from the HPA axis and may act directly on target endocrine glands of this axis, modulating gonadal tissues. In addition, it has recently been shown that thymulin can modulate some peripheral nervous sensory functions, including those related to sensitivity to pain. According to the dose given, thymulin induces or reduces hyperalgesia related to both mechanical and thermal nociceptors and thus represents an important interface between the immune, endocrine and nervous systems.