The role of the thymus-hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in normal immune processes and autoimmunity.

摘要: Gonadal steroids play an important role in the development and regulation of immune system. Their effects may be mediated through a thymus-hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The thymus gland secretes factor(s), including thymosin beta 4, that affect release gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH regulates subsequent luteinizing hormone, thereby affecting early ovarian development. Thymic factors modulated by gonadal steroids. Studies indicate levels 4 decrease postmenopausal ovariectomized women. In diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, abnormal patterns estrogen metabolism thymic function contribute to etiology disease.