Serveral authors have made interesting
comments regarding the thymus:
"THYMUS GLAND…Lying beneath the sternum
(breastbone) and above the treachea (windpipe) and heart is the two-lobed
thymus gland; each lobe is made up of LYMPHATIC tissue. The thymus gland
plays a significant part in the establishment of the immune system from the
12th week of gestation until PUBERTY, after which it begins to shrink
gradually." (Stoppard, M.D., page 84)
"thymus...a ductless, glandlike body, of undetermined function, situated in
the upper thorax near the throat: it is most prominent at puberty, after
which it disappears or becomes vestigial: the thymus of an animal, when used
as food, is called sweetbread..." (Webster's Dictionary, page 1,906)
"There is still considerable ignorance about exactly how the thymus does its
job, but it is now known that it is essential for the proper running of the
lymphatic system, and that it has really carried out its major function
during the first few years of life." (Weston, M.D., pages 98-99)
"Thymus gland. An imperfectly understood gland, the thymus is believed to
produce thymosin, which promotes the development of antibodies, especially T
lymphocytes, or T cells. The thymus stops working after puberty."
(Time-Life, page 75)
"The thymus is found in the upper part of the chest, where it lies just
behind the breastbone. In a young adult it is a few centimeters long and
weighs about 15 gm. (one-half ounce). However, this simple statement
conceals the most remarkable thing about the thymus, and that is the way
that, quite unlike any other organ, it is at its largest at about the time
of puberty when it may weigh up to 45 gm (one and one-half ounces). In a
baby, the thymus is really very large compared to the rest of the body, and
it may extend quite a long way down the chest behind the breastbone. It
grows quite quickly until about the age of seven; after this the thymus
continues to grow, but much more slowly until puberty. After the age of
puberty the thymus starts to shrink in size--a process called
involution--until in an elderly person there may be no more thymus tissue
present apart from a bit of fat and connective tissue." (Weston, M.D., pages
98-99)
"Hormones secreted by the bilobed thymus stimulate the production of white
blood cells" (Thomas, M.D., page 239)
"There seems to be little doubt that in the early years of life the thymus
is concerned with programming the way in which the body resists infection,
and in particular, it seems that the thymus is responsible for making sure
that the system does not turn its activities against the body's own
tissues." (Weston, M.D., page 99)
"The thymus, a member of the lymphatic system, is located in the
anterior/superior mediastinum (just above and in front of the heart). It is
known to play a critical role in the seeding of the lymphatic organs (lymph
nodes, diffuse lymphatic tissue, etc.) with potential "T" lymphocytes, which
secrete a substance that attacks the protein of certain tumor cells, foreign
cells, and micro-organisms (cellular immunity). There is evidence that the
thymus produces a hormone (thymosin) that enhances the development of "T"
lymphocytes. Activity of the thymus wanes significantly after puberty; it
ultimately atrophies to be replaced with fibrous tissue." (Kapit and Elson,
Anatomist, page or plate 106)
"Thymus hormones travel through the bloodstream and continue to exert their
influence over the departed T cells. Thus, the thymus can be considered to
be a true endocrine gland-- carried to another part of the body where it
will have its effect. We know that the thymus continues to secrete hormones
and to 'train' and export T cells until late in life. After puberty it
diminishes in size because it is no longer concerned with growth. Any
further shrinkage is due to stress and other factors to be discussed in this
book." (Diamond, M.D., page 10)
"In embryonic and early life the thymus gland is vitally concerned with
growth, as has been demonstrated by the fact that administration of thymus
extract dramatically increases growth rate in laboratory animals. More
importantly, it is the 'school and factory' for lymphocytes--the white blood
cells responsible Under the influence of thymus hormones, these cells
mature, then leave the thymus and settle in the lymph nodes and the spleen,
where they give rise to other generations of lymphocytes called T cells (T
for thymus-derived). Thymus hormones travel through departed T cells. Thus,
the thymus can be considered to be a true endocrine gland--that is, an organ
that secretes a hormone into the bloodstream to be carried to another part
of the body where it will have its effect." (Diamond, M.D., page 10)
"In the fetus and newborn animal, the thymus gland is a large organ lying in
the upper mediastinum beneath the sternum. In the very young fetus it is
composed primarily of epithelioid cells, but it has a reticular structure
that entraps stem cells circulating in the blood. For reasons not
understood, these trapped stem cells are then stimulated to proliferate
extremely rapidly, and the cells that are formed are the first lymphocytes
to appear in the fetus. These lymphocytes migrate into the blood and thence
throughout the body, seeding the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissue. The
seeded cells then become either plasmablasts, the progenitors of the plasma
cells, or lymphoblasts, the progenitors of the small lymphocytes formed in
the lymphoid tissue. Thus, the thymus plays an important role in the
original genesis of the entire lymphoid system of the body." (Guyton, M.D.,
page 122)
"Failure of the Immune System to Develop in the Absence of the Thymus Gland.
If the thymus gland is removed early in fetal life, the lymphoid tissue of
the entire body fails to become seeded with lymphocytes, and consequently,
essentially no immune system develops. Even if the thymus is removed shortly
before birth of the baby or within the first few days after birth, the
immune system is still greatly impaired. Furthermore, the lymphocytic type
of immunity seems to be much more impaired than the humoral type, indicating
that plasmablast seeding of the lymphoid tissue occurs earlier than
lymphoblast seeding. However, if the thymus gland is removed from an animal
a few weeks to a few months after birth, very little harm is done to the
immune system, because by that time enough seeding of the lymphoid tissue
has occurred for the immune system to function throughout life. One
exception to this occurs as follows: If the person is subsequently exposed
to some effect, such as a nuclear bomb blast, that destroys most of his
immune system, he will have difficulty reseeding his lymphoid tissue without
the availability of a thymus gland. Here again, lymphocytic immunity is
affected much more severely than is humoral immunity." (Guyton, M.D., page
122)
"Possibility of a Thymic Hormone. Even though the thymus gland is absolutely
necessary for the early seeding of lymphoid tissue with lymphoblasts and
plasmablasts, once this seeding process has occurred, one might expect that
the lymphoblasts and plasmablasts could proliferate within the lymphoid
tissue without further intervention from the thymus gland. Yet, even so,
removal of the thymus gland still stops or greatly impedes further growth of
the lymphoid tissue. If the thymus gland is then re-implanted can get out of
the thymus gland, the lymphoid tissue throughout the body immediately
resumes its growth. Therefore, it is believed that some hormonal substance
released by the thymus gland diffuses throughout the body to activate the
growth of the lymphoid tissue. This substance is called simply the thymic
hormone. Thus far all attempts to extract from the thymus gland a specific
substance that will perform all the functions of the so-called thymic
hormone have failed. Nevertheless, there is still reason to believe that
such a hormone might exist and that eventually it will be extracted."
(Guyton, M.D., page 122)
A person with an underactive thymus
gland will be prone to getting sick often. Infection will be common and will
often be chronic and
prolonged. Allergies will also be more likely. Other symptoms include
swollen glands, depression, extreme sweating, puffiness of the throat. The
person will be a likely candidate for cancer.
"Immunodeficiency diseases are well
recognized in the human. These diseases range from the selective deficiency
of where both the T and B cell systems are lacking. Treatment depends on the
determination of the specific immunodeficiency and some positive results
have been demonstrated by transplantation of bone marrow and thymus and by
the use of the hormone thymosin. Presently we know more about the specific
deficiency diseases than we do about effective treatments." (Chaffee, pages
308-309)
"Diet can affect immune system function. Malnutrition, a deficiency of
protein or the trace element zinc, or dietary excess may all have a profound
effect on the development of disease. A severe deficiency of protein at an
early age can slow or stunt growth of the thymus, impairing the normal
functioning of T-cells." (Thomas, M.D., page 217)
"Perhaps most provocative and least understood is thecomplex connection
between the immune system and the brain. Mental stress, both moderate and
severe, can affect the workings of our white blood cells. In one study, it
was found that patients hospitalized for severe depression had suppressed or
underactive immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections and
disease. Another study showed that the suffering of a widower over the loss
of his wife may harm his health: Bereavement seems to prevent lymphocytes
from reacting appropriately. Even the much milder strain of taking an exam
appears to reduce T-cell activity." (Thomas, M.D., pages 217 and 219)
"Nerve cells and immune cells seem to engage in two-way conversations. Some
immune cells have receptors on their membranes for neuropeptides, chemicals
produced by the brain. One group of neuropeptides, known as endorphins, may
at response to mental stress seem to suppress the activity of T-cells,
perhaps robbing us of help in fighting cancer cells. In some cases, the
endorphins appear to have the reverse effect: When we are injured, they may
boost our immune response by helping to attract
"Until the 1950s little was understood
about the thymus, although there had been clues to its function for many
years. As far back as 1902, Foulerton, a London physician, was using thymus
extract in the treatment of cancer. However, the standard teaching was that
the thymus gland had no function at all in the adult, a delusion fostered by
the fact that during autopsy the thymus was usually found to be quite small
and atrophied." (Diamond, M.D., page 8)
"Probably the most acceptable theory of cancer is that formulated by Sir
MacFarlane Burnet, (F.M.Burnet, Immunology, Aging, and Cancer...San
Francisco: W.H. Freeman and Company, 1976), the Australian Nobel Prize
winner. Of the billions of new cells produced in the body each day, some
will be abnormal. One of the functions of the T cells is to recognize these
abnormal cells and destroy them. However, if the T cells are not activated
by the thymus hormone, the abnormal cells may 'take' and develop into
clinical cancer. Hence the critical role of the thymus gland throughout
adult life in the prevention of cancer." (Diamond, M.D., page 11)
"Now we begin to understand why cancer increases with age It has been shown
that the antibody response of old mice is only about 5 percent that of young
mice. Old mice cannot reject cancer cells injected into them. However, if
old mice are given thymus hormone at the same time, cancer does not develop.
In all mammalian species there is a falling off in thymus activity with
advancing years, and a corresponding increase in the rate of cancer. The
more we can stimulate thymus activity throughout life, the greater will be
our ability to ward off cancer." (Diamond, M.D., pages 11-13)
"The thymus gland, then, prepares the T cell to do its work--to distinguish
self from not self, friend from foe, and to destroy foreign cells. This
role, called immunological surveillance, is directly concerned with
resistance to infections and cancer." (Diamond, M.D., page 10)
"Above, a T cell,, a thymus-derived lymphocyte, attacks a cancer
cell...large sphere...which it identifies by the antigen molecules
protruding from its surface. Below, the cancer These micrographs were made
by Andrejs Liepins of the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research."
(Diamond, M.D., page 13, Figures 1 and 2)
"In a human being or an animal in which the thymus gland has been removed or
destroyed, there is a loss in effectiveness of the immune mechanisms of the
body that guard against infection and cancerous growth. For example, if a
young rat that has had its thymus removed is injected with cancer cells, the
cancer will take over and the rat will die. However, if the thymus gland is
intact, the tumor will be recognized as a hostile invader and will be
rejected. There is now considerable evidence that enhancement of the immune
response by administering thymus extract can overcome some forms of clinical
cancer. A search of the literature shows, as I stated above, that thymus
extract was used clinically for the treatment of cancer as long ago as
1902." (Diamond, M.D., pages 9-10)
"B-cells make up one class of lymphocytes. The second class, known as
T-cells, mature in the thymus (T stands for thymus). One subgroup of these
T-cells, known as killer T-cells, attack and destroy certain cancer
cells...cells infected by viral agents, and the cells of transplanted
tissue." (Thomas, M.D., pages 186 and 196)
"T cells also attack cancer cells, slowing tumor growth." (Clayman, M.D.,
page 127)
"Those who suffer the disease (AIDS) become the victims of life-threatening
pneumonia, other serious infections, and a rare skin cancer called Kaposi's
sarcoma." (Thomas page 196)
"Acquired immune deficiency syndrome,
commonly referred to as AIDS, is a disease that destroys the body's immune
system. It does this by attacking helper T cells, which play an essential
role in fighting illness. With the immune system disabled, an AIDS patient
will usually die from an illness, called a secondary disease, that the body
could have fought off successfully if its immune system were intact. AIDS
was first identified in the 1980s, and scientists still do not understand
many things about how the disease works." (Time-Life, page 136)
"In people with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the normal ratio
of helper to suppressor T-cells is disturbed. The AIDS virus attacks helper
T-cells preventing them from carrying out one of their regular duties-to
activate the immune system when a threat arises. This breakdown in normal
communication between immune cells leaves the body virtually undefended.
Those who suffer the disease become the victims of life-threatening
pneumonia, other serious infections, and a rare skin cancer called Kaposi's
sarcoma." (Thomas, M.D., page 196)
"When healthy, the immune system can fight off most of the viruses,
bacteria, and other pathogens that invade the body. When the AIDS virus
infects the body, the helper T cells are destroyed, resulting in a weakening
of the immune system...As the immune system breaks down, the body becomes
increasingly susceptible to secondary diseases, such as pneumonia, that it
is too weak to fight off. These are the diseases that usually kill AIDS
patients." (Time-Life, page 137)
"The HIV consists of genetic material surrounded by a coating of proteins
and lipids. Unlike most viruses, the AIDS virus contains no DNA, only RNA.
Such viruses are called retroviruses. As the HIV invades helper T cells, it
uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA. The
new DNA then instructs the T cell to duplicate the virus...Once invaded, the
helper T cell dies through a process that is not understood." (Time-Life,
pages 136-137)
"Upon entering the body, the AIDS virus attaches itself to a helper T cell
and then injects its RNA and reverse transcriptase into the T cell...With
the help of the reverse transcriptase, the cell then produces viral DNA,
using the RNA as a blueprint...The newly produced viral DNA forms a ring and
proceeds to penetrate the nucleus of the helper T cell...Once inside the T
cell's nucleus, the viral DNA becomes an inextricable component of the
immune cell's genetic material...Following instructions from the DNA, the T
cell produces AIDS RNA, reverse transcriptase, and the ingredients of the
virus' coat...The viral ingredients that are produced by the invading DNA
assemble themselves to become new AIDS viruses...Each new virus leaves the
helper T cell in search of a new host cell, further weakening the immune
system...Once invaded, the helper T cell dies through a process that is not
yet understood." (Time-Life, pages 136-137)
"MYASTHENIA GRAVIS...This autoimmune
disorder is marked by severe muscle weakness and fatigue. This is caused by
antibodies that gradually reduce the number of receptors in the fibers that
stimulate muscle contractions. A thymus disorder may trigger the disease;
the gland is removed and immunosuppressant drugs are often part of the
treatment...Muscles affected...Early symptoms include double vision and
drooping eyelids as facial muscles become weaker. Throat muscles are
affected, so chewing and swallowing can become difficult. The disease may
eventually spread to the muscles of the arms and legs." (Clayman, M.D., page
57)
"A recent case described in a medical
journal is that of a young boy who was admitted to the hospital in coma from
a severe viral pneumonia. He was unconscious, with a high temperature, and
was on forced respiration, being unable to breathe unassisted. Everything
was done to resuscitate him, but it was quite obvious that he was going to
die. The equivalent of a T-cell count was performed; approximately one fifth
the normal level was found. He was then given an injection of thymus
extract, and within twenty-four hours the entire process had reversed
itself. His temperature was down, he was breathing unassisted, and he was
conscious. This is the kind of dramatic recovery we are going to see more
and more as accurate testing of thymus function and administration of thymus
extract, when indicated, become routine in medical practice, as I am sure it
will in the next five or ten years. As one of the most eminent workers in
the field has said, "The second golden age of 'thymology' is just
beginning." (Diamond, pages 10-11)
When the AIDS virus infects the body, the helper T cells are destroyed,
resulting in a weakening of the immune system. As the immune system breaks
down, the body becomes increasingly susceptible to secondary diseases, such
as pneumonia, that it is too weak to fight off. These are the diseases that
usually kill AIDS patients." (Time-Life, page 137)
"Those who suffer the disease (AIDS)
become the victims of life-threatening pneumonia, other serious infections,
and a rare skin cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma." (Thomas, M.D., page 196)
"In a human being or an animal in which the thymus gland has been removed or
destroyed, there is a loss in effectiveness of the immune mechanisms of the
body that guard against infection and cancerous growth." (Diamond, M.D.,
page 9)
"The thymus gland, then, prepares the T cell to do its work--to distinguish
self from not self, friend from foe, and to destroy foreign cells. This
role, called immunological surveillance, is directly concerned with
resistance to infections and cancer." (Diamond, M.D., page 10)
"The viruses that cause infections are
smaller than bacteria and can pass through the smallest cellular filters of
the body. When viruses enter the body, they live on the body's cell enzymes.
Viral infections are characterized by fever, headaches, muscular aching, and
chills. The common cold is a viral infection, as are some forms of croup,
mononucleosis, influenza, polio, tonsillitis, infectious hepatitis,
encephalitis, measles, some bladder infections, and asthma. Drugs relieve
only the symptoms—they do not kill the virus. Antibiotics are not effective
against viral infections; they kill bacteria but not the virus. When a viral
infection gets out of hand and bacterial complications set in, antibiotics
help. The body's defense system reaction against these infections is the
same for all viral infections, no matter what organ is
affected....NUTRIENTS...SUPPLEMENT...Important...Raw thymus...SUGGESTED
DOSAGE...As directed on label...COMMENTS...Important in immune function,
stimulating the thymus gland." (Balch, M.D., page 309)
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the thymus:
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