The effects of thymosin alpha 1(Tα1) supplement on the thymus structure and thymocyte apoptosis during six-week incremental exercise are investigeated, and a new therapy of improving exercise-induced immunosuppression is obtained. 48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into group E (exercise group) and group E+Tα1（exercise group with thymosin alpha 1 supplement). Both of groups exercised in progressive mode for six weeks. Samples were taken in the end of weeks 0,2,4 and 6, respectively. The results show that: during six-week incremental exercise, thymus showed progressively atrophy, structure of thymus damaged severely, and apoptosis of thymocyte significantly increased.With Tα1 supplement, significant improvements were found in morphological atrophy and structural damage of thymus, and thymocyte apoptosis during exercise. This suggests that Tα1 supplement can effectively improve exercise-1induced immunosuppression through protecting structure of thymus, strengthening antioxidant capacity and resisting apoptosis of lymphocytes.

immunity; exercise immunity; exercise-1induced immunosuppression; thymocyte apoptosis; thymosin alpha 1; oxidative stress