Histopathology of the thymus

The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ that manifests dynamic physiological changes as animals age in addition to being exquisitely sensitive to stress and toxic insult. It is typically the first lymphoid tissue to respond to immunotoxic xenobiotics, with the first change being loss of cortical lymphocytes by apoptosis. This is followed by removal of the apoptotic cellular debris and, in the absence of recovery, may lead to loss of the cortico-medullary demarcation and organ atrophy. Nonneoplastic proliferative changes include focal lymphoid hyperplasia and proliferation of medullary epithelial cells, often with formation of ribbons, cords, or tubules. Thymomas are relatively rare tumors that exhibit a wide spectrum of morphologic types but do not metastasize. Thymic lymphomas are common in some mouse strains and can become leukemic with hematogenous spread throughout the body.