Tin and the thymus gland: a review.

Experimental studies over the last decade have suggested an association between thymus immune and homeostatic function and exogenous tin. It has been hypothesized that the thymus gland synthesizes and secretes one or more tin bearing factors that enhance immune defenses against malignancy and retard the gradual loss of immune capacity with senescence. This review conciliates data from several divergent areas of research in order to explore the rationale for the above concepts.