Modulation of thymosin beta 4 by estrogen.

The endocrine thymus produces several hormone-like peptides (generically termed thymosins) which control development of the thymic-dependent lymphoid system and participate in the process of immune regulation. In addition, recent literature supports the hypothesis that gonadal steroids in general and estrogens in particular affect the immune system. To determine whether steroid hormones modulate secretion of thymic peptides, basal concentrations of thymosins alpha 1 and beta 4 were determined by radioimmunoassay in morning blood samples from 87 women in various clinical states. Basal concentrations of thymosin alpha 1 were similar in all women sampled. Basal levels of thymosin beta 4 were similar in normal women during the early follicular phase, women with premature ovarian failure, postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen, and individuals with gonadal dysgenesis. However, the marked variability of basal levels in premature ovarian failure and in postmenopausal women suggests that these groups are quite heterogeneous. Thymosin beta 4 concentrations were reduced in castrated women not receiving estrogen and were decreased more in both postmenopausal women and castrated women who were on chronic estrogen therapy. These data suggest that estrogens can modulate the circulating levels of thymosin beta 4 but not of thymosin alpha 1. We do not yet know whether sex steroids modulate secretion of other thymic peptides.