Thymus Gland
 This is not a medical site - I can not answer any medical questions about the thymus Gland
 

Hormone Released	Hormone Structure	Hormone Function	Hormone Regulator
Several Thymosin & Thymopoietin hormones; Thymic humoral factor; Thymostimulin; Factor thymic serum	Peptide	Stimulates T cell development in thymus & maintainence in other lymph tissue; Involved in some B cells developing into antibody-producing plasma cells	Not known

 

The thymus is so small in adults that it is difficult to find during dissection. Without the thymus, the immune system couldn't function properly, and the body's ability to fight infection would be seriously impaired. Research into the role of the thymus has centered on the theory that the thymus gland is central to proper immune function because it produces peptides in the epithelium that activate T-cells which in turn promote immunity. T-cells also regulate b-cells to produce antibodies for fighting infection, and further tell B-cells not to attack self tissue. 

It is theorized that replacement of vital thymus peptides can replace those missing due to atrophy of the thymus brought on by the aging process in much the same way diabetics use insulin. The technology now exists to produce these proteins in their natural intact state. Reintroduction of them in adult humans could have a profound effect on the aging process by restoring the bodies natural ability to defend itself from disease. the thymus gland produces dozens of these proteins and each one may have a specific purpose in human health and aging.