Localization of immunoreactive thymosin alpha 1 in astrocytes of normal human brain

We employed an immunocytochemical method to examine human brain for the presence of immunoreactive thymosin alpha 1 (T alpha 1), a peptide derivative of thymic tissue, using a well-characterized antiserum. For cell identification, serial sections were stained with antisera to thymosin beta 4(T beta 4), another thymic peptide that identifies oligodendrocytes, and with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antiserum that stains astrocytes in a double-staining technique using avidin-biotinylated horseradish peroxidase or avidin-biotinylated alkaline phosphatase complex. Antiserum to T alpha 1 stained the cell body, but not the processes, of GFAP-positive astrocytes, suggesting that T alpha 1 is a common antigen shared between thymus and astrocytes. Because T alpha 1 and its precursor molecule play a role in cell proliferation and immunomodulation, our findings could explain the role of astrocytes in certain central nervous system diseases.