Dynamic expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the thymus of human fetuses and newborns

Sokal A.V., Roudenok V.V.

By the method of indirect immunohistochemistry was investigated the distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the human thymus. In the thymus we revealed VIP cellular and fibrous structures. The index of expression of VIP was 8,6 ± 0,74%. Expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the cell populations, nerve fibers and Hassall corpuscles indicates persistent immune and neuroendocrine function of thymus against the background of age involution.