Immune system, thymic dependent

Modifying influences on immune responses have been reported for the sex steroids 17(i-estradiol and testosterone. 17 5-Estradiol and synthetic non-steroidal estrogenic compounds such as diethylstilbestrol are potent modulators of immunity. The effects observed in rodents include thymic atrophy, suppression of thymus-dependent cellular immune responses, acceleration of autoimmune diseases, suppression of NK cell activity, myelotoxicity, and stimulation of the mononuclear phagocyte system (see Luster et al., 1984 Holladay, 1999). However, the immune effects described for diethylstilbestrol depend largely on the age of the animals at treatment, exposure to diethylstilbestrol, and sex. 

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