Immunomodulation with thymopentin in humans

Abstract

The effect of thymopentin administered i.v. or s.c. on the levels of circulating specific IgM and IgG KLH (key-hole limpet haemocyanine) antibodies and non-specific immunoglobulins were measured at weekly intervals in elderly volunteers for three subsequent weeks after vaccination with 500 micrograms KLH. As compared with the placebo group, specific IgM and IgG antibody responses significantly increased in the s.c. treated group, but remained at significantly lower levels in the i.v. treated groups. Increases in non-specific immunoglobulin levels were observed after vaccination in the placebo group; no such increases appeared in the groups treated with thymopentin. The results demonstrate the immunomodulatory effect of thymopentin in humans. It is assumed that, depending on the route of application (which indirectly represents different doses), thymopentin can either stimulate or inhibit immune processes. As an immunomodulator it may represent a new therapeutic tool for immunostimulation as well as for specific immunosuppression.