Hydrocortisone action on the thiol groups of the thymus

The total (T) proteic (P) and non proteic (NP)-SH groups in the thymus of male Wistar rats were assayed and the P/NP ratio calculated. Hydrocortisone was administered to the experimental groups as follows: 1, 6, 15 and 45 mg/100 g body weight. Up to a dose of 6 mg HC, the thiol groups decrease progressively, especially the NP groups. At higher doses, the first two--SH groups (T and P) continue to decrease quantitatively, whereas the NP thiol groups notably increase. In the author's opinion, this is due to the exacerbating stages encountered during stress.