Hormonal function and proliferative activity of thymic cells in humans: immunocytochemical correlations.

Objectives: The immunocytochemical study of the localization of hormones in thymic cells has been performed to clarify possible correlations of their expression with proliferative activity of thymocytes.

Methods: We used commercial antibodies to serotonin, melatonin, somatostatin, glucagon, gastrin, beta-endorphin and histamine, and ABP or BSP kits for visualization of reaction. Computer image analysis was used to find correlations between hormone production and proliferative activity of thymocytes.