The role of a thymus-pineal axis in an immune mechanism of aging

Cardarelli, Nate F.

doi:10.1016/s0022-5193(05)80118-3

Cited by 27 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…The physiological role of melatonin binding sites in thymus remains unclear. However, several investigators have shown a physiologic link between pineal gland and thymus (37). The major thrust of early hypotheses was keyed to the concept that the thymus and pineal gland acted jointly to regulate cell, tissue, and organism growth (38).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Expression of the Mel _1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen

et al. 1997

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In the present work we analyze by reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, cDNA cloning, and sequence analysis the expression of membrane melatonin receptors in rat thymus and spleen. Results show, for the first time, that the melatonin receptor mRNA is expressed in both the thymus and spleen. Moreover, the melatonin receptor mRNA was expressed in all the lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+,CD8+, double positive, double negative, and B cells) studied from the rat thymus. The Southern blot analysis with the melatonin receptor probe and sequence data also showed the identity of the DNA fragments in thymus, spleen, and the lymphocyte subpopulations studied. The melatonin receptor fragments amplified from rat brain, thymus, and spleen share identical nucleotide sequences with the rat Mel1a-melatonin receptor subtype. No signal was obtained with primers used to amplify the rat Mel1b-melatonin receptor subtype in both thymus and spleen. Finally, the melatonin receptor mRNA transcript distribution throughout the rat thymus was examined. Using digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probe to the specific melatonin receptor mRNA, examination of the whole thymus revealed a clear hybridization signal in both cortex and medulla. Melatonin receptor gene expression in the thymus and spleen supports the notion of the immunomodulatory role of melatonin.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Expression of the Mel _1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen

et al. 1997

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“…The physiological role of melatonin binding sites in thymus remains unclear. However, several authors have shown a physiological link between pineal gland and thymus [Cardarelli, 1990). The major thrust of early hypotheses was keyed to the concept that the thymus and pineal gland acted jointly to regulate cell, tissue, and organismal growth [Berman, 19211.…”

Section: Specific Binding Sites For Melatonin In Rodents and Birdsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immunomodulatory role of melatonin: specific binding sites in human and rodent lymphoid cells

Calvo

Rafii-EI-ldrissi

Pozo

et al. 1995

Journal of Pineal Research

137

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This paper reviews the evidence that supports the hypothesis of the existence of specific binding sites for melatonin on immune cells. These binding sites have been described in human blood lymphocytes and granulocytes, and thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius from different rodents and birds. The dissociation constant values of these binding sites are in the 0.1-1 nM range, suggesting that melatonin may play a physiological role in lymphocyte regulation. Moreover, melatonin binding sites appear to be modulated by guanine nucleotides. Therefore, in addition to other mechanisms described for the regulation of immune function by melatonin, a direct mechanism of regulation can be involved via binding of melatonin by immunocompetent cells.

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“…The overlap between some of the functions of the two glands and the understanding that they act together in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation logically leads to the identification of the thymus-pineal axis in the second half of the XX century (24,25).…”

Section: Thymusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of the thymus and pineal gland on immunity and aging

Hachmeriyan

Pashalieva²,

Stefanovа³

2022

SSM

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The thymus and pineal gland (epiphysis) are endocrine glands with pivotal role in the maintenance of normal physiological processes. Their hormonal activity has been the subject of many studies, but on most occasions, each gland has been considered separately. Surveys that identify the link between these two glands, as well as the connection between their hormones, appeared only recently. The growing body of data about the morphology and the functions of the thymus and epiphysis reveals not only the bi-directional links between these glands but also common involutionary mechanisms. The immune activity of the thymus is wellknown, and the results indicate that melatonin has significant immunomodulatory potential as well. The hormones of both glands play a role in the antioxidant and antitumor defense of the organism, as well as in the hemostasis processes. Some studies confirm the existence of a functional relationship between the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems and the contribution of thymic and pineal hormones to its establishment. The association between thymus and epiphysis is important not only for the normal immune response but also for the regulation of aging and the occurrence of age-related conditions and diseases.

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The role of a thymus-pineal axis in an immune mechanism of aging

Cited by 27 publications

References 42 publications

Expression of the Mel _1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen

Expression of the Mel _1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen

Immunomodulatory role of melatonin: specific binding sites in human and rodent lymphoid cells

Influence of the thymus and pineal gland on immunity and aging

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The role of a thymus-pineal axis in an immune mechanism of aging

Cited by 27 publications

References 42 publications

Expression of the Mel 1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen

Expression of the Mel 1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen

Immunomodulatory role of melatonin: specific binding sites in human and rodent lymphoid cells

Influence of the thymus and pineal gland on immunity and aging

Contact Info

Product

Resources

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Expression of the Mel _1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen

Expression of the Mel _1a ‐melatonin receptor mRNA in T and B subsets of lymphocytes from rat thymus and spleen