Serum thymic factor as a radioprotective agent promoting survival after X-irradiation

Serum thymic factor (FTS, zinc-free thymulin) protected mice from death after whole-body X-irradiation. It was significantly radioprotective even when administered after irradiation, but it was more effective when administered both before and after irradiation. The protective effect appears to be due to the enhancement of hematologic recovery in the animals.