title: Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (review).
abstract: The thymus is the primary site for T-cell lympho-poiesis. Its function includes the maturation and selection of antigen specific T cells and selective release of these cells to the periphery. These highly complex processes require precise parenchymal organization and compartmentation where a plethora of signalling pathways occur, performing strict control on the maturation and selection processes of T lymphocytes. In this review, the main morphological characteristics of the thymus microenvironment, with particular emphasis on nerve fibers and neuropeptides were assessed, as both are responsible for neuro-immune‑modulation functions. Among several neurotransmitters that affect thymus function, we highlight the dopaminergic system as only recently has its importance on thymus function and lymphocyte physiology come to light.
authors.affiliation: Human Anatomy, School of Drug and Health Products Science, University of Camerino, Ι-62032 Camerino, Italy.
authors.forename: Fiorenzo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mignini
authors.affiliation: Human Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont ̔Amedeo Avogadro̓, I-28100 Novara, Italy.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sabbatini
authors.affiliation: Human Anatomy, School of Drug and Health Products Science, University of Camerino, Ι-62032 Camerino, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mattioli
authors.affiliation: Human Anatomy, School of Drug and Health Products Science, University of Camerino, Ι-62032 Camerino, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cosenza
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical, Histological, Medico-legal and Locomotor System Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Ι-00185 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Artico
authors.affiliation: Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Ι-00185 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cavallotti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000378:metabolism; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides