The Third Annual Symposium on Health Sciences attracted over 400 scientists from 15 countries. It was held at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. The theme of this meeting was "Thymic Hormones and Lymphokines: Basic Chem istry and Clinical Applications." The meeting emphasized the state of the art with regard to chemistry, mech anism of action, and clinical applications of thymic hormones and lymphokines. In addition to the five sessions, the chairmen of each session were asked to prepare a synthesis and overview of each of the sessions. Some of the chairmen used this time to summarize the new material presented while others addressed important areas of conflict and terminology. The chairmen of the plenary sessions prepared short summary papers which have been incorporated into this volume at the end of each major section. We also invited several of the scientists who took part in the poster presentations to submit short papers. In addition to the scientific sessions, there were two awards and lectures. One, the Abraham White Distinguished Science Award, was given to Dr. Robert C. Gallo, who gave the keynote lecture. He was recognized for his pioneering research and scientific contributions to our understanding of the regulation of hematopoietic cell differentiation and the role of viruses in the development of human leukemias.

The Janeway's Immunobiology CD-ROM, Immunobiology Interactive, is included with each book, and can be purchased separately. It contains animations and videos with voiceover narration, as well as the figures from the text for presentation purposes.

Every aspect of immune function and host defense is dependent upon a proper supply and balance of nutrients. Severe malnutrition can cause significant alteration in immune response, but even subclinical deficits may be associated with an impaired immune response, and an increased risk of infection. Infectious diseases have accounted for more off-duty days during major wars than combat wounds or nonbattle injuries. Combined stressors may reduce the normal ability of soldiers to resist pathogens, increase their susceptibility to biological warfare agents, and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines intended to protect them. There is also a concern with the inappropriate use of dietary supplements. This book, one of a series, examines the impact of various types of stressors and the role of specific dietary nutrients in maintaining immune function of military personnel in the field. It reviews the impact of compromised nutrition status on immune function; the interaction of health, exercise, and stress (both physical and psychological) in immune function; and the role of nutritional supplements and newer biotechnology methods reported to enhance immune function. The first part of the book contains the committee's workshop summary and evaluation of ongoing research by Army scientists on immune status in special forces troops, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The rest of the book contains papers contributed by workshop speakers, grouped under such broad topics as an introduction to what is known about immune function, the assessment of immune function, the effect of nutrition, and the relation between the many and varied stresses encountered by military personnel and their effect on health.

First published in 1990. This important new text covers a wide area of thymology in both the theoretical and practical aspects. In view of current information, a crucial role of endocrine thymus is presented in the creation, maintenance, and senescence of neuro-endocrine-immune homeostasis. In particular, mechanisms are described (which are basically responsible for the T cell maturation and selection) for the hierarchic organization of the immune system and its thymic dependent immune competence in terms of tolerance and immunity. A detailed presentation of the structure and biological properties of a number of well-defined thymic hormones is included. Their clinical applications and results obtained in inherited or acquired immunodeficiencies and in neoplasmic diseases are also reviewed on the grounds of numerous representative clinical trials. A perspective and potential scope of immunorestorative therapy and prevention with thymic hormones and other thymomimetic drugs are outlined. Researchers, practitioners, and students will find this book to be a useful and essential source of information.

The thymus is a gland that over the last two centuries has generated great awareness not only from the anatomical perspective but also for the physiological and pat- logical roles it plays in many disease processes. Prior to the early studies on its th anatomy and physiology in the 18 century, the thymus was believed to perform - usual and curious functions such as purification of the nervous system, providing a protective cushion for the vasculature of the superior mediastinum, fetal nouri- ment, or more spiritual roles such as being the seat of the soul, among others. D- th ing the 19 century important anatomical/physiological studies took place focusing on the role of the thymus in pathological conditions. However, it was not until the th middle of the 19 century that a more comprehensive analysis of the role of the thymic gland and its role in pathogenesis began to emerge. Currently, while the knowledge gained on the diverse aspects of the thymic gland has furthered our understanding of its role in a gamut of processes, more knowledge is still being sought, and by no means is a full understanding of the gland’s physi- ogy and pathology complete. Different aspects, including its purported endocrine function, its association with other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus, among others, are under evaluation and research.