Thymic gland aspects in childhood: morpho-functional reciprocal relationships betwen thymus, nervous and endocrine system, in particular, with the somatotrophic axis hormones

Thymic gland (thymus) represents a huge mystery for biology, medicine (primarily immunology), including pediatric issues. Complexity of the study is determined by multiplicity integral connections thymus with other components immune system, neuroendocrine, hematopoietic systems, connective tissue, different organs and cells which provide appropriate barrier function. Discerning direct thymic function from this continuum, or determining specific role molecular factors (neuropeptides, growth hormone, etc.) upon physiology problem not yet resolved. In review article dedicated to current state problem, we consider morphological functional relationships between thymus, neuroendocrine system and, in particular, hormones somatotropic axis. These interactions may also manifest clinical heterogeneity be associated impaired morphogenesis (organogenesis) at very early stage embryogenesis; namely, under influence gene family that determine fate each segment embryo-Hox genes control expression other, functionally interconnected genes. Previously, T lymphocytes produced brain neurons have been shown express same antigen (Thy antigen), was considered lymphocytes. A common language, mediated molecules intercellular interaction, revealed used signal exchange cells, tissues regulating three mentioned systems (nervous, endocrine immune). The interest pediatricians field definite concept human ontogenesis, birth elderly age, playing main role, since antenatal period childhood. line reasoning research area only theoretical, but important practical point view. Since any critical involution accompanied reduced number exported hormone-based therapy an alternative strategy restore organ increasing thymocyte proliferation, exporting mature peripheral lymphoid organs. Great opportunities opened immunology due development effective epistemological methods, e.g., genetic knock-out, transgenic animal models stem cell transfer, transplantation immunopoietic primary secondary immunodeficiencies, malignancies, autoinflammatory diseases, finally, infections system.