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Serum thymic factor (TF) levels were tracked during development. TF secretion begins in fetal mice around day 12-13 and reaches adult levels by birth.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The thymus plays a crucial role in T-cell maturation.
- Circulating thymic factor (TF) is a hormone produced by the thymus.
- Understanding TF ontogeny is vital for assessing immune development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental profile of circulating thymic factor (TF).
- To determine the onset and progression of TF secretion during fetal and neonatal life.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 0-conversion assay to detect and quantify serum TF.
- Evaluated TF levels in pregnant thymectomized mice and newborn mice.
Main Results:
- Circulating thymic factor (TF) secretion commences between days 12-13 of gestation.
- Serum TF levels in newborns approximate those found in adult mice.
Conclusions:
- The thymus initiates TF production during mid-fetal development.
- The fetal thymus is capable of producing sufficient TF to reach adult levels by birth, suggesting a significant role in early immune readiness.
Abstract:
The circulating thymic factor (TF) detected by 0-conversion assay has been followed up in ontogeny. Serum TF evaluation in pregnant thymectomized mice and in new born mice indicates that TF secretion starts on day 12-13 of foetal life and has reached the adult's level at birth.