Parathyroidectomy and the induction of thymic atrophy in normal, adrenalectomized and orchidectomized rats

Parathyroidectomy or thyroparathyroidectomy in the male rat results in the severe atrophy of the thymus gland. This effect is not mediated by a secondary release of the cytolytic adrenal or gonadal steroids since it also occurs in adrenalectomized and orchidectomized animals. The loss of the parathyroid gland decreases the flow of thymic lymphocytes into mitosis; this inhibition of cell production leads to the marked decline in thymic weight. The effect can be partially prevented by administration of parathyroid hormone or calcium gluconate.