The Hyperglycemic Effect of Thymosin F₅, a Thymic Hormone

Summary

The effect of thymosin F₅, a partially purified thymic hormone, on the blood glucose level of rabbits was investigated. After the injection of thymosin F₅ either I.V. or S.C., a state of hyperglycemia lasting for 9-10 hours was observed, and this was a dose-dependent effect. Also, the plasma 11-OH corticosteroid levels in thymosin F₅ treated rabbits were found to be approximately threefold compared to the controls. Such a hyperglycemic effect was not observed in rabbits bilaterally surrenalectomized. These results show that thymosin F₅ has an enhancing effect on blood glucose level and probably this hyperglycemic effect is mediated by surrenal cortex hormones.

Key-Words:

Thymus - Thymosin F₅ - Blood Glucose - Surrenal Cortex